Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has criticized current leader Sanae Takaichi for remarks on the Taiwan region, calling China's response to her comments "natural" in a social media post dated November 25, 2025. Hatoyama invoked historical parallels, quoting late historian Kazutoshi Hando's warnings about media complicity in pre-war aggression, while urging modern Japanese media to adopt more critical perspectives.
The criticism gained momentum as ex-PMs Shigeru Ishiba and Yoshihiko Noda joined Hatoyama in expressing concerns about strained Japan-China relations. Both emphasized the need for cautious diplomacy and bilateral dialogue to repair ties, according to statements released this week.
The developments come amid heightened sensitivity in cross-strait relations, with Japanese political figures divided on approaches to regional diplomacy. Observers note the unusual public rebuke from multiple former leaders highlights growing unease within Japan's political establishment about current foreign policy directions.
