Yomiuri Group Head with 60 Years as a Political Reporter Reveals "The Truth of Power" -- Shincho Shinsho's "Conditions for a Long-Term Administration" Released Today

Shinchosha Co., Ltd. will release "Conditions for a Long-Term Administration" by Mr. Shoichi Oikawa from Shincho Shinsho today, Monday, May 18. The author of this book, Mr. Shoichi Oikawa, has watched the transitions in Japanese politics for over 60 years as a political journalist. As a young reporter covering the Prime Minister, Oikawa once heard Eisaku Sato say, "People often tell me I'm lucky, and well, I guess there are aspects where I think so myself." The words of a man who reached the pinnacle of power didn't quite resonate with Oikawa at the time, but now, after watching the rise and fall of various administrations, he says he understands that the line struck at a certain truth. Since Eisaku Sato, the long-term administrations of Yasuhiro Nakasone, Junichiro Koizumi, and Shinzo Abe all shared three common qualities: being lucky, being strong in elections, and having self-restraint. These three are in a loop-like relationship, but once the gears start to misalign, the virtuous cycle quickly breaks down. The Shinzo Abe administration, which was lucky and kept winning elections, also showed signs of losing "self-restraint" from the Prime Minister's Office in its final days. Furthermore, politicians climb the ladder of power by using some kind of "specialty," but they often tumble from power due to that very "specialty." Examples are numerous, including Kakuei Tanaka who stumbled over "money," Noboru Takeshita who came under fire for "parties" as a new means of political fundraising, and Yoshihide Suga who was a skillful reader of bureaucratic psychology but misread the psychology of lawmakers and lost momentum. This book introduces interesting episodes gained from the author's long years of observing the political world, while unraveling the psychology and logic of the politicians squirming in the strange space of politics. As you read, your thoughts will naturally be guided to consider what is necessary for the Sanae Takaichi administration, which won a historic victory in the general election, to build a long-term administration, and what might cause it to stumble. It is the perfect book for a deeper understanding of the current political situation. Please give it a read. ■Book Contents Eisaku Sato, Yasuhiro Nakasone, Junichiro Koizumi, Shinzo Abe. Politicians who achieved long-term administrations have something in common. That is, being blessed with luck, being strong in elections, and continuing to have self-restraint. When that is lost, power collapses in an instant. Politicians who have reached the heights of glory and splendor are sometimes tripped up by their own specialty. The "truth of power" depicted by the top of the Yomiuri Group, who has observed Japanese politics for over 60 years as a political journalist. ■Author Introduction: Shoichi Oikawa Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of The Yomiuri Shimbun Group Holdings. Born in 1941. After graduating from Waseda University's School of Political Science and Economics, he joined The Yomiuri Shimbun. He has served as a political reporter, Washington correspondent, editorial writer, President and Representative Director of the Osaka Head Office, and President and Director of the Tokyo Head Office before his current position. His books include "In the Mind of a Politician" and "The Responsibility of a Politician." Provided by The Yomiuri Shimbun ■Book Data 【Title】Conditions for a Long-Term Administration 【Author】Shoichi Oikawa 【Release Date】May 18, 2026 【Format】Shinsho (paperback) 【Price】1034 yen (tax included) 【ISBN】978-4106111242 【URL】https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/611124/