Former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba told this magazine of his shocking ambition: “Can I become president and serve my curry?

Former Prime Minister Abe regarded Ishiba as a rival and thoroughly denied him a place to play an active role after his administration entered a period of stability. He also did not give him any opportunities to play an active role in the subsequent Kan administration, and the Ishiba faction was dismantled and became a loose group of lawmakers in December 2021.

While he is treated as a “dead man” in Nagata-cho because he was not given a position, Ishiba’s name does not disappear when companies ask who is the most suitable person to be the next prime minister. On the contrary, depending on the survey, his name is at the top of the list. The reason why his name has remained despite the decrease in media exposure is that he has a strong fan base among both the public and party members as a debater on foreign and security issues.

(A reporter from a national newspaper) When asked if the “Ishiba Curry” could be resurrected next year, Mr. Ishiba replied, “Yes, I think so. When asked if the “Ishiba Curry” could be revived next year, Mr. Ishiba replied sadly, “It is served by party leaders.

I’m not going to be able to do it anymore because I’m the secretary-general now.

You weren’t bought for your skills as a chef, were you? Ishiba’s eyes lit up as he continued, “Okay.

‘Okay, I’ll become president and serve curry.

With the Cabinet’s approval rating hovering in the 30% range, dissatisfaction is simmering within the party. With the death of former Prime Minister Abe, the dislike for Ishiba that existed among Diet members is fading. Perhaps sensing this atmosphere, Ishiba’s eyes were full of confidence as he spoke of his desire to become president.

Diet members who ate “Ishiba Curry” the day before the party convention will remember the taste. It is possible that the curry from a food stall will rewrite the history of the LDP presidential election.