Naoto Kan Quotes

Politician
Japan
1946

Naoto Kan is a Japanese politician and former Prime Minister of Japan. He was born on October 10, 1946, in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Kan studied at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and worked as a civic activist before entering politics. He served as the Prime Minister of Japan from June 2010 to September 2011, during which he faced challenges such as the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Kan is known for his efforts towards promoting renewable energy and reducing Japan’s reliance on nuclear power. He has also been a vocal advocate for disaster preparedness and has written several books on the subject. Kan continues to be an influential figure in Japanese politics and is highly respected for his leadership during times of crisis.Read Less

3 Insightful Naoto Kan Quotes

If you are unable to understand the cause of a problem it is impossible to solve it. Feraz Zeid, December 28, 2023, Naoto Kan, Impossible, Problem, 0

- Naoto Kan

Politician

· Japan

The safest nuclear power or energy policy is to realize ‘zero nuclear power. Feraz Zeid, December 28, 2023, Naoto Kan, Energy, Nuclear, Zero, 0

- Naoto Kan

Politician

· Japan

It is possible for Japan to become the model of a society that does not rely on nuclear power. Feraz Zeid, December 28, 2023, Naoto Kan, Nuclear, 0

- Naoto Kan

Politician

· Japan

Nuclear

Naoto Kan Career Highlights

Early Political Career: Kan began his political career in 1980 when he was elected to the House of Representatives as a member of the Japan Socialist Party. He served in this position for 18 years before leaving the party in 1996.
Founding of the Democratic Party of Japan: In 1996, Kan co-founded the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which aimed to challenge the long-standing dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japanese politics.
Minister of Health and Welfare: In 1996, Kan was appointed as the Minister of Health and Welfare in the Hosokawa Cabinet. During his tenure, he introduced several reforms, including the introduction of a national health insurance system.
Mayor of Tokyo: In 1999, Kan was elected as the Mayor of Tokyo, becoming the first non-LDP politician to hold the position in over 30 years. He served in this position for four years and focused on improving the city’s infrastructure and reducing its debt.
Minister of State for Science and Technology: In 2009, Kan was appointed as the Minister of State for Science and Technology in the Hatoyama Cabinet. He played a key role in promoting renewable energy and reducing Japan’s dependence on nuclear power.

Key Contributions by Naoto Kan

Response to the Fukushima Disaster: As Prime Minister, Kan faced one of the biggest challenges of his career when a massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in March 2011, causing a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. Kan took charge of the situation and worked tirelessly to contain the damage and protect the citizens of Japan.
Economic Reforms: Kan implemented several economic reforms during his tenure as Prime Minister, including increasing the consumption tax and reducing government spending. He also focused on promoting economic growth and creating jobs.
Strengthening Ties with Other Countries: Kan worked towards strengthening Japan’s relationships with other countries, particularly with the United States and China. He also played a key role in promoting regional cooperation in East Asia.

What Sets Naoto Kan Apart

Strong Leadership Skills: Kan is known for his strong leadership skills, particularly during times of crisis. He has a calm and composed demeanor, which helped him to effectively handle the Fukushima disaster and its aftermath.
Commitment to Social Welfare: Throughout his career, Kan has been a strong advocate for social welfare and has worked towards improving the lives of the citizens of Japan. He has introduced several policies to promote healthcare, education, and social security.
Non-Traditional Background: Unlike many other Japanese politicians, Kan does not come from a political or wealthy family. He worked as a civic activist and lawyer before entering politics, giving him a unique perspective and approach to governance.

Takeaways

Crisis Management: Kan’s response to the Fukushima disaster serves as a lesson in crisis management. He showed strong leadership, quick decision-making, and effective communication during a time of great uncertainty and danger.
Political Reform: Kan’s founding of the DPJ and his efforts to challenge the long-standing dominance of the LDP in Japanese politics highlight his commitment to political reform and promoting a more diverse and competitive political landscape in Japan.
Social Welfare: Kan’s focus on social welfare and his efforts to improve the lives of the citizens of Japan serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the people in any political decision-making.