Photo/Illutration From left: Seiji Osaka, Junya Ogawa, Kenta Izumi and Chinami Nishimura pose before a debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Nov. 22. They are running in the leadership election of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. (The Asahi Shimbun)

The word "debate" was translated into Japanese as "toron" during the Meiji Era (1868-1912).

In English, a debate originally denoted a fight or an argument, deriving from the old French "debattre," which also meant "to dispute, make war."   

But there are debates that are not combative at all.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's presidential election campaign is now in progress, and all four candidates were present at a debate held on Nov. 22 at the Japan National Press Club.

The debate followed the format of the contenders questioning one another. Normally, this should be a perfect opportunity to criticize one another and highlight their differences.

Unexpectedly, however, their remarks were largely those of mutual understanding and acceptance.

"I believe we have reached an agreement," said one candidate. "This is encouraging. Let's do our best," enthused another.

Wait a minute, they weren't choosing the leader of a hobby club, were they?

Not one candidate came across as someone who thrives in political play, or oozes with charisma.

But come to think of it, they may well be precisely the kind of people this party needs now.

The Oct. 31 Lower House election made it amply clear that the CDP is not yet ready to stage a change of government. Now is the crucial time to solidify its foothold to rebuild the party, not to engage in an intraparty power struggle or produce a charismatic leader.

Physicist and author Torahiko Terada (1878-1935) noted in an essay that just being intelligent won't make one a scientist. His argument was that such a person tends to overrate their intelligence and is in danger of dismissing natural phenomenon out of hand when it doesn't jibe with their theories.

In politics, it is futile to rush into action according to one's intellectual preconception of, say, "what liberalism is all about."

Fortunately, the CDP's four presidential candidates this time are preaching the importance of keeping up steady, down-to-earth efforts.

They must strive to resolve regional issues one by one and strengthen their local support organizations.

A fierce battle awaits after the lackluster presidential election.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 24   

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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