NODA, Yoshihiko, 95th prime minister since 19th century, born 27 May 1957
Enter the sixth prime minister in five years. Japanese prime minister is given wider authority than most people might think. For instance, he is the commander in chief for all defense affairs.
Let us take a look at what he have spoken before regarding space and aviation matters.
He was showing his initiative to look for defense use of the outer space, as chairman of working team for science and technology application policies at his party. His stance was against the conventional government standpoint to restrain the military use of space. He also showed his idea to pursue ‘Space Treaty’ to allow Japan to use use space for non-aggressive use. He also worked hard to reorganize many divisions in different ministries into ‘Space Agency,’ that is now approved agenda for near future reshuffle of the government organizations.
However, he has so many urgent agenda, mostly domestic such as recovery from natural and nuclear disaster from March 11, too fast appreciation of yen currency, mounting deficit; but it is also true that he must face many unsolved diplomatic issues like Okinawa base relocation, challenges from Korea and China. In this circumstance, it seems he may give lower priority to space policy.
His policy viewpoint is sometimes regarded as ‘hawkish’ and it is a focus of attention whom he would appoint as new Defense Minister. At least my favorite choice of Seiji Maehara has not chance as he was appointed as chief of policy making at his ruling party.
His new cabinet is expected to be launched on September 2.
