In this section, Akira Amari reflects on his own political philosophy and offers a rare insider evaluation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Emphasizing foresight, decisiveness, and the resolve to confront difficult historical challenges, the interview illustrates why Abe’s leadership stands apart in postwar Japanese politics.

2017-04-20
Watching him, I cannot help but think that his foresight, courage, and quick judgment are truly remarkable.
“—Mr. Amari, you are a descendant of Amari Torayasu, a retainer of Takeda Shingen.
Among the principles of ‘Fūrinkazan,’ with what mindset will you proceed from here on?”
Amari.
“Fire and wind.
The image is to spark a revolution like fire and accomplish it in an instant like the wind.”
The Abe administration is looking ahead to constitutional revision.
“—Finally, could you share your assessment of Prime Minister Abe, who has led a long-lasting administration?”
Amari.
“Abe has been growing more robust day by day.
He has a sense of composure, and I think he is becoming a figure who commands respect even among the leaders of the G7.
Watching him, I feel that his foresight, courage, and quick judgment are truly outstanding.
He may well become a great statesman whose legacy will be judged favorably by history.
Many of Japan’s past prime ministers served short terms, so fundamental issues were often postponed, with efforts focused merely on getting through the moment.
One of the few exceptions was the disposal of non-performing loans under the Koizumi administration.
At the time, banks had continued postponing the cleanup after the bubble burst, but Prime Minister Koizumi pressed them by saying, ‘Properly dispose of non-performing loans within a set number of years, or resign as president.’
As a result, the banks resolved to undertake thorough structural reforms.
Abe clearly understands the historical challenges he must address.
He is confronting deflation head-on and also squarely facing the issue of the Constitution.
He does not run away from problems that everyone else avoided.”
“—So he is deliberately taking on themes that do not easily translate into votes and tend to provoke opposition, yet cannot be left untouched?”
Amari.
“Exactly.
Even if he is misunderstood, he is prepared to bear the burden, believing that history will ultimately judge his actions.
That is not something many people can do.
And I believe that figures like Taro Aso and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga share this resolve with the Prime Minister.
That, I think, is why the current Abe administration is strong.”