Former LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, Nearly Two Years After Leaving Politics: Unsteady on His Feet in Troubling New Sight

Unable to let go of either power or a supporting hand

The steps of the elder statesman once dubbed the “Shadow Prime Minister” showed none of their former strength.

In late August, former LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, 87, was spotted at Haneda Airport in Ota Ward, Tokyo.

“He was walking through the airport with a male aide. He wasn’t using a cane, but he was so unsteady that it looked as though he might collapse at any moment without the man’s arm to lean on. I never would have thought that elderly man was Mr. Nikai. His expression was gloomy, and his eyes looked vacant. I’m concerned about his health.” (Airport passenger)

Nikai served as secretary-general for a record 1,886 days, but he retired from politics in October 2024, taking responsibility for the slush-fund scandal involving the Nikai faction, which he had led. Since then, he has handed over his political base in Wakayama’s 2nd District to his third son, Nobuyasu, 48.

“However, Mr. Nikai still holds prominent positions, such as honorary chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents and chairman of the National Federation of Land Improvement Associations. In particular, he remains deeply attached to the National Federation of Land Improvement Associations, which oversees infrastructure and was something of a personal specialty of his, and he seems as eager to remain active as ever.” (National newspaper political reporter)

But the reality of Nikai, who has disappeared from center stage, is as you can see.

That day, Nikai had traveled to Tokyo from his home district. He left the airport while desperately clinging to the man’s arm. The sight seemed to symbolize the current state of the former “Shadow Prime Minister,” who, despite approaching his 88th birthday, still appears unwilling to let go of his position of power.

From the September 25, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY.”