Key Facts
• On August 5, 2025, PM Shigeru Ishiba addressed the Upper House Budget Committee.
• Kenji Isesaki, 68, was elected in July 2025 under the Reiwa Shinsengumi proportional representation.
• Isesaki, a former UN official and professor, raised concerns about the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement.
• Isesaki highlighted Japan’s lack of legal equality with the U.S. in hosting American troops.
• He urged Japan to ensure its sovereignty by rejecting U.S. military base use for offensive actions.
• PM Ishiba acknowledged Isesaki’s expertise, calling him “teacher” and expressing shared concerns.
• Ishiba emphasized the importance of internal party discussions on the issue.
• Both were born in 1957, with Ishiba humorously noting their shared age.
• Ishiba expressed gratitude for the opportunity to debate in parliament.
• The session ended with Ishiba apologizing for not fully addressing Isesaki’s points.
Summary
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed respect for newly elected Reiwa Shinsengumi lawmaker Kenji Isesaki during an August 5, 2025, parliamentary session. Isesaki, a former UN official and professor, raised concerns about Japan’s unequal legal standing with the U.S. under the Status of Forces Agreement, urging measures to safeguard Japan’s sovereignty. Ishiba, who shares similar views on revising the agreement, acknowledged Isesaki’s expertise and emphasized the need for internal party discussions. Despite their differing political roles, Ishiba expressed gratitude for the opportunity to debate these critical issues in parliament.
