Shigeru Ishiba reveals his feelings about being called a candidate for the next prime minister.

What are his “true intentions”? When we called Mr. Ishiba and asked him about his thoughts on becoming prime minister, he laughed it off.

No one knows what the future holds. Who could have predicted the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the beginning of 2010?　I appreciate that you say so, but becoming prime minister is a means, not an end. If people think that I am aiming to be the prime minister, please give me a break. I don’t know if I am the right person (to be prime minister), but I will try to study every day.

Since his decision not to run for the presidency in 2009, his opportunities to make public appearances have declined. How does he feel about the fact that his name is still being mentioned by the public despite his decision not to run for the presidency?

I wonder why the voices of support haven’t disappeared. I wonder what this is all about. I have always thought that I should be honest about things that are painful for the people. I wonder if that has gradually been conveyed to the public. However, that is our job. If you don’t do that, you should quit (being a politician).”

Ishiba did not deny the possibility of running for LDP president next September. The LDP’s foremost “one-word politician” may soon make his move.