Rebirth Tokyo 1986

Chapter 315 The hero comes to an end
Kakuei Tanaka knew his daughter's character very well and knew that she didn't take it to heart.

But he has done everything he can, and the rest can only be left to God.

"I hope I didn't make a mistake this time."

Kakuei Tanaka pondered for a moment, then whispered to his daughter with a little tiredness.

"You should go back too and have some rest."

"It's okay, I'll stay with you for a while."

Kakuei Tanaka was in a very bad condition, and he knew it himself, and as a bystander, Makiko Tanaka naturally knew it better.

She wanted to spend as much time with her father as possible, but she didn't know when she would no longer have the chance.

As Kakuei Tanaka's physical condition worsened, he knew that he didn't have much time left.

"Makiko, you will have to make your own way in the future. I hope you can control your temper so that you can go further."

"I, I know."

Tanaka Makiko had no intention of thinking so much now, her mind was filled with sadness.

She couldn't imagine that the father who had always doted on her and was a man of integrity in her eyes was about to leave.

"If possible, you should get closer to your smooth and gentle junior from the Xinghai Group. If you want to go far in politics, you must have enough wealth."

Kakuei Tanaka had long seen through the true nature of his country's politics and developed the famous wallet strategy.

Whenever something big happens, a briefcase filled with banknotes is thrown over.

If that doesn't work, throw two more.

This is the main reason why he, an elementary school graduate, was able to defeat the elites of the University of Tokyo and become prime minister.

Of course, publicity is also essential.

For example, his theory on the transformation of the Japanese archipelago can definitely be compared with the later bald eagle politicians' theory of making xx great again, and even surpasses it in some aspects.

Because Kakuei Tanaka did a lot of practical things.

For example, the development of the Seikan Undersea Tunnel from Honshu to Hokkaido, Tokyo Narita Airport, highways extending in all directions, and new high-speed rail lines...

It can be said that he once again improved Japan's transportation network and effectively narrowed the urban-rural gap.

As for a certain president, who started issuing virtual currency to make money as soon as he came to power, it is hard to say what he wanted to do after coming to power.

Besides, this guy’s slogan is also modeled after Reagan, and he may want to replicate the past story against the Soviet Union.

But the national conditions are completely different, and so is the international situation.

At that time, the World Island was almost controlled, the whole world was facing unprecedented pressure, and all forces had to unite.

The situation in the 21st century is completely different. Even if the Eastern superpower rises again, it cannot directly suppress the westernmost side of the World Island.

So no matter how loud the slogans are, there is basically no action.

Kakuei Tanaka knew that because his daughter was born into wealth, she only inherited his stubbornness and arrogance, but not his ability to make money.

Without the support of the chaebol behind the scenes, even if one reaches a high position, it will be lost quickly.

Of course, you can reach a high position by keeping your head down and being small.

But Tanaka Makiko is too proud to bow her head.

"I know, don't worry, father."

Tanaka Makiko is just straightforward, but not stupid. She understands all this, but she just can't let it go completely.

But since he was her junior at Waseda University, she didn't feel so uncomfortable.

"Ah, very good."

Kakuei Tanaka was very pleased and felt hopeful again.

But even if his mood improved, it still couldn't save his body.

Two days later, a piece of news that shocked the world came out.

The prime minister who resolved the Sino-Japanese issue quickly and decisively.

Died of illness!

"Alas, we have lost a great politician."

After receiving the message, Masato Takeshita put down the work at hand and looked at the computer screen in silence.

Kakuei Tanaka was an outstanding politician. Whether it was his decisive handling of relations between the two countries or his proposal for the transformation of the Japanese archipelago, it all proved his ambition.

Whenever people in later generations talk about local development, they basically refer to this book.

As for the later figures such as Takeshita Noboru and Kishida Mon'o, they can only be regarded as politicians and had basically no sense of responsibility.

The only person who can barely be considered a politician is probably Keizo Obuchi.

The prime minister brilliantly addressed deep-seated problems in the financial sector and prevented the country's economy from detonating again.

There was no blind shift in diplomacy, but rather a balanced strategy.

Unfortunately, he died of illness while serving as prime minister.

The death of Kakuei Tanaka was a major event, but the handling of it was relatively private.

Because Kakuei Tanaka was angered by Takeshita Noboru's divisive behavior, Makiko Tanaka only invited a few people who had not left the Tanaka faction and some people with whom she had a close relationship.

As one of the few people who had the final secret conversation with Kakuei Tanaka, Masato Takeshita was naturally also invited.

"Mrs. Tanaka, Senior Tanaka, please accept my condolences!"

"Thank you!"

Although now is the best time to discuss cooperation, young people are not politicians, so naturally they do not need to use this as an excuse to accomplish such operations.

So he just followed instructions and did whatever others did.

While Masato Takeshita was busy attending the funeral, Noboru Takeshita and Keizo Obuchi were also having a gathering in a high-end teahouse.

"Our old leader with a strong personality is gone forever."

"Yes, completely gone."

Both of them have complicated feelings because they were once close confidants of Kakuei Tanaka.

If Kakuei Tanaka had not controlled his subordinates so strictly and suppressed their growth, backstabbing would hardly have happened.

Sato, Tanaka Kakuei's old boss, knew how to delegate power.

When competing for the prime ministership, he hoped that Fukuda would take the position.

But his subordinates were not satisfied and directly sidelined him under the leadership of Kakuei Tanaka, but he did not say anything.

No problem, I agree with whoever you choose as prime minister.

The later Takeshita Noboru obviously learned from Tanaka Kakuei's lesson and referred to the earlier Sato.

When his subordinates wanted to compete for the position of prime minister, he not only did not stop them, but also strongly supported them.

Hashimoto and Obuchi successively became Prime Ministers of Japan.

Of course, it was somewhat accidental that both of them were able to get to the top.

In 1993, the Liberal Democratic Party lost the prime ministership and internal disputes were suppressed by competition outside the party.

The major factions no longer targeted the Takeshita faction, but instead united under the Takeshita faction in an attempt to regain the prime ministership.

After the success, the Takeshita faction, which contributed the most, naturally received the most abundant rewards.

As for the next person, Keizo Obuchi, he took office in 98.

This year, the economic crisis broke out in Asia, and Japan's economy and employment were in a mess, and the Liberal Democratic Party's seats in parliament plummeted.

It can be said that the position of prime minister is a complete hot potato and mess. No one wants to take over and everyone wants to pass the blame to others.

On the one hand, Obuchi Keisuke wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to realize his long-cherished political dream.

On the other hand, there is really no one in the party. It is really unreasonable for him, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, not to take over.

The result was beyond everyone's expectations, including himself.

Japan has escaped from the financial quagmire and created a relatively stable start to the 21st century.

"I heard that our junior fellow student also went to pay his respects?"

"Well, Junior Masato has always been on good terms with Waseda politicians."

Although there are many Waseda students who prefer to cooperate with the United States, the youth still treat them equally. In politics, you need to have many friends and few enemies.

Many key issues may not make these people support you, but small aspects can easily be persuaded successfully.

No one wants to offend their financial backer because of a small matter.

With long-term development, maybe you can change your destiny.

As for the Waseda school, it only develops with the school that is more inclined towards Asia.

For example, the Masayoshi Ohira school and the Takeo Miki school.

As for the Takeshita system, it naturally needs further development.

This is the most important neutral force within the Liberal Democratic Party and is more practical.

Later, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba inherited a lot of the ideas of this faction.

They usually try to smooth things over and only care about Japan's own interests.

Then, Keisuke Obuchi asked quietly as if he remembered something.

"Senior, do you think it is possible for us to reconcile under the persuasion of my junior fellow student?"

The baby-faced Takeshita Noboru waved his hand.

"That's impossible. You know the temper of our junior schoolmate."

Makiko Tanaka is not a qualified politician at all, not even a politician.

A true politician will not only cooperate with his enemies, but will also cooperate with them.

"Pity."

Keizo Obuchi still hoped that the two families would be friendly, because Kakuei Tanaka had a very high reputation and Makiko Tanaka also had a good image among the people.

The cooperation between the two companies can strengthen the Takeshita Party's control over Japan.

"It's not a pity. Too many people are hard to manage and they're prone to getting mobbed."

The size of the Liberal Democratic Party faction should not exceed 100 people.

Once the number of people exceeds a hundred, they will be dismembered by everyone.

This was the case with the Tanaka faction not long ago, and also with the Abe faction later on.

"Yes, it is indeed difficult to manage so many people."

Wasn’t the recent internal strife in the Takeshita faction due to too many people?
"Tell me, how much capital will our junior brother invest in the Tanaka family?"

In response to Takeshita Noboru's question, Obuchi Keizo tried to guess, "It's probably not less, about the same as mine."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Masato Takeshita invests in every Waseda clique member who becomes a member of parliament.

Donating money to build a factory is an inevitable option.

The higher the position, the greater the power, or those with potential will receive key support.

To this end, Takeshita Masato established various parts factories, some of which were even operating at a loss, in order to enhance the political strength of Xinghai Group.

Of course, these are only short-term efforts.

The problem of losses will only be solved once the Xinghai Group becomes stable.

If the power of the councillors you are close to is still strong, then you can switch to a profitable industry. If you are replaced by new councillors you have no connections with, you can just give up.

Workers who are willing to leave will be directly transferred to new departments. Those who are unwilling to leave will be given sufficient severance pay.

"Our junior has great ambitions, so let your family make friends with him."

Noboru Takeshita felt regretful and even envied his old boss who was stabbed in the back by him.

Because Kakuei Tanaka had his own political successor, and his direct descendants did not intend to go into politics.

Even if the Takeshita family develops in the future, it will still rely on the younger brother's lineage. But the younger brother's political ability is not as good as Tanaka Makiko's.

On the contrary, it was Keizo Obuchi, whose family still had the opportunity to enter politics.

But it’s too early to say this now, just to deepen the connection.

"Well, I see. Junior's target is Mitsui Mitsubishi. I hope he succeeds and strengthens the power of Waseda University."

The influence of the University of Tokyo in Japanese politics is despairing.

Waseda politicians are already trying to elevate themselves, but the gap is still very large.

Taking civil servants as an example,

The University of Tokyo has more than 100 students every year, with more than students at most and or students at least. In addition, the department also controls the Ministry of Finance, which has the most power.

"It's difficult. All this wealth is just castles in the air."

The more basic an industry is, the easier it is to achieve long-term development.

For example, the giants who control water, electricity, coal, food and oil live a very comfortable life.

However, technology companies and the retail industry are too easy to be disrupted.

A technological revolution has caused many old technology giants to go bankrupt or shrink in size.

For example, Wang An Computer, which was very famous a few years ago, went bankrupt last year.

The much larger IBM is in a similar situation, on the brink of bankruptcy.

However, IBM took good life-saving measures, hired Lou Gerstner, and the company quickly recovered.

The same is true for retail, with countless brands appearing and disappearing, and countless companies rising and falling.

"I don't think so. He obviously noticed this and started to move towards a stable industry. The Daily News is a good example."

Masato Takeshita also knows that he needs to develop into basic industries, but it is still early and he wants to gather more funds.

Once the company has developed sufficiently, we will expand into the most basic industries.

For example, Tokyo Electric Power Company is a good target.

This company, the culprit of the subsequent marine nuclear crisis, had obvious security loopholes.

He planned to secretly collect information, and then take advantage of the weakness of the old chaebols during the Asian economic crisis to publicize it through daily news.

Nuclear leakage is a global crisis, and he doesn't want such a mess to happen where he lives.

"Well, maybe."

Takeshita Noboru didn't want to argue, so he continued with a smile and said, "Speaking of the Mainichi Shimbun, being acquired is a good thing. We can have a greater advantage in terms of public opinion."

"Yes, at least we in the Takeshita sect would do so."

The rise of the Takeshita faction was due to the full support of the Waseda University press.

Now with the addition of the Mainichi Shimbun, the Takeshita faction's rule within the LDP has become more secure.

As for other factions, the situation is not consistent.

After all, the Liberal Democratic Party is a big basket, and anyone can join. There are those who are very left-leaning, and there are also those who are extremely right-wing.

After talking about Masato Takeshita, the two quickly returned to Kakuei Tanaka's funeral.

"The Lockheed case may also be coming to an end."

"I guess there's no need for everyone to hold on any longer."

"Well, it's better to end it like this."

After the Lockheed case broke out, Kakuei Tanaka has been involved in lawsuits.

The United States has always wanted to kill him because he established diplomatic relations with China first and declared support for Arab countries in the Middle East war against the wishes of the United States.

The initial threat was to destroy Lockheed's reputation and his position as prime minister.

Later, he kept pursuing the matter, wanting to send Kakuei Tanaka to jail and ruin his reputation.

But there is an unspoken rule in Japanese politics that bigwigs don't go to jail. So politicians are resisting US pressure and refuse to sentence them.

After all, today it could be Kakuei Tanaka, and tomorrow it could be me.

Now that Kakuei Tanaka is dead, the sentence doesn't matter. Let's give the Americans some face and symbolically complete the sentencing.

(End of this chapter)