1. Overview
Noboru Minowa (March 5, 1924 - May 14, 2006) was a prominent Japanese politician and physician who served eight terms in the House of Representatives of Japan representing Hokkaido's 1st district. His distinguished career included roles as the 42nd Minister of Posts and Telecommunications and Defense Parliamentary Vice-Minister. Minowa's early life as a military doctor and surgeon informed his later public service. A key aspect of his legacy, particularly from a center-left perspective, is his later-life activism against the deployment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Iraq. Despite his past involvement in defense, he became a vocal advocate for the Japanese Constitution's Article 9, filing lawsuits against the government and publicly defending Japanese citizens during the Iraq hostage incident. This commitment to constitutional principles and human rights marked him as a figure of strong conviction, bridging his establishment background with a principled stance against militarization.
2. Early Life and Background
Noboru Minowa's foundational years were shaped by his education and early medical career before his entry into the political arena.
2.1. Birth and Upbringing
Minowa Noboru was born on March 5, 1924, in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. His early life unfolded in this port city, providing him with a connection to the northern region he would later represent in national politics.
2.2. Education and Early Career
Minowa pursued his higher education at Hokkaido Imperial University, graduating from its medical department. His medical career began amidst a tumultuous period; in March 1945, during the final stages of World War II, he was commissioned as an Army military doctor apprentice officer. Following the end of the war, in 1946, he transitioned to civilian medical practice, becoming the chief surgeon at Japan Medical Organization Suttsu Hospital, which is now the Suttsu Town Public Clinic. In 1948, he established his own practice, the Minowa Surgical Clinic, in Suttsu Town. He later relocated his clinic to the Inaho area of Otaru City in 1952, where he continued his surgical practice for several years before embarking on his political journey.
3. Political Career
Noboru Minowa's political career spanned over two decades, marked by his persistent efforts to enter the House of Representatives, his ascent to key ministerial positions, and eventual retirement due to health.
3.1. Entry into Politics and House of Representatives Activities
Minowa's entry into politics was facilitated by Bi-cho Usuda, a former Superintendent General of the Metropolitan Police Department and later a House of Representatives member. In 1960, Minowa made his first attempt to secure a seat in the House of Representatives of Japan during the 29th general election. Running as a conservative independent from the then-Old Hokkaido 1st district, which had five seats, he faced a challenging electoral landscape with nine candidates, ultimately finishing seventh. The district was fiercely contested by prominent figures such as Setsuo Yokomichi of the Japan Socialist Party and Saburo Shiikuma (a former Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives) and Tomiyo Takata (a former Sapporo Mayor) of the Liberal Democratic Party.
Despite this initial setback, Minowa continued to engage with political life. From 1962, he served as both a secretary and personal physician to Eisaku Sato, who at the time held the position of Minister of the Hokkaido Development Agency. This close association with a future Prime Minister provided him with invaluable political experience and connections.
Minowa successfully won his first election in 1967, securing the fourth position in the 31st general election as a candidate officially endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party in the Old Hokkaido 1st district. He subsequently served eight consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, demonstrating consistent support from his constituency. Following his initial election, he joined the Sato faction, known as Shuzankai. After the Sato faction underwent a split in 1972, Minowa transitioned his allegiance to the Tanaka faction. He was also awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, First Class.
3.2. Ministerial and Key Positions
Throughout his political career, Noboru Minowa held several significant government and party positions, influencing policy and national affairs. In 1972, he was appointed Defense Parliamentary Vice-Minister within the Second Tanaka Kakuei Cabinet, a crucial role that involved overseeing defense-related policies and operations. Later, in 1981, Minowa achieved his first ministerial appointment when he was selected as the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in the Suzuki Zenko Remodeling Cabinet. In this capacity, he was responsible for Japan's postal services, telecommunications, and broadcasting. Beyond his ministerial duties, he also served as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Transport Committee from 1978 to 1979 and as Chairman of the House of Representatives Security Special Committee.
3.3. Political Setbacks and Retirement
Noboru Minowa faced a significant political setback in the 1987 Hokkaido gubernatorial election. He actively supported Akira Matsuura, a former official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in his bid for governorship. However, Matsuura suffered a decisive defeat to the incumbent governor, Takahiro Yokomichi. As a result of this electoral loss, Minowa, who was serving as the chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Hokkaido Federation, took responsibility and resigned from his post.
Following the internal factional split within the Tanaka faction, Minowa chose to join the Keiseikai, a prominent political faction within the Liberal Democratic Party. His long and active political career came to an end in 1990 when he retired after suffering a cerebral infarction. Despite the severe health challenge, Minowa dedicated himself to rehabilitation and successfully overcame a language disorder resulting from the stroke. After his retirement from national politics, he continued to contribute locally by serving as an advisor to a private hospital in his hometown of Otaru, utilizing his medical expertise.
4. Key Activities and Views
Noboru Minowa's career was marked by his diverse activities, personal relationships, and notably, his principled stance on critical national issues, including a significant movement against military deployment.
4.1. Personal Aspects and Other Activities
Throughout his life, Noboru Minowa cultivated strong relationships with influential local figures in Hokkaido. These included Kitaro Matsukawa, who served as the second president of Hokkaido Chuo Bus, and Hidehiko Yuize, a notable journalist and manga artist who also acted as an advisor to Hokkaido Chuo Bus.
Minowa also served as the director of the "Japan Strategy Research Center," an organization established by Shin Kanemaru, a powerful figure and former Vice-President of the Liberal Democratic Party. However, a significant dispute arose between them when Minowa initially joined the Soseikai faction, a precursor to Noboru Takeshita's political group. He later withdrew his name from the list of Soseikai members, reportedly using Kanemaru's name as a reason for his retraction. This action deeply angered Kanemaru, leading to Minowa's dismissal as director of the center and being barred from its activities. This incident highlights Minowa's willingness to act independently, even when it meant incurring the wrath of powerful party leaders.
Beyond his direct political and personal affairs, Minowa was a fervent advocate for regional development, notably promoting the Hokkaido Shinkansen project, a high-speed rail line aimed at connecting Hokkaido with Japan's main island. He was also a signatory for the "Mass Media Article 9 Association," an organization affiliated with the broader "Article 9 Association" dedicated to upholding Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war.
4.2. Anti-Iraq SDF Deployment Movement
Despite his past role as a Defense Parliamentary Vice-Minister, a position often associated with a "hawk" stance on security matters, Noboru Minowa took a remarkably different and principled stand in 2004 by actively participating in the movement opposing the deployment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Iraq. His involvement underscored a deep commitment to the spirit of the Japanese Peace Constitution, particularly its Article 9.
Minowa, along with other plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government in the Sapporo District Court. This legal action, known as the Hokkaido Lawsuit to Stop SDF Deployment to Iraq, sought to halt the controversial military deployment. The second lawsuit, initiated on March 28, 2005, saw a broad coalition of plaintiffs from diverse political backgrounds, including former Japan Socialist Party Diet member Yasuko Takemura, former Japanese Communist Party Diet member Kenji Kodama, and civic activist Kohei Hanazaki, all uniting in opposition to the deployment.
Minowa dedicated significant effort to this cause, traveling extensively across Japan to gather supporters, deliver lectures, and engage in writing activities to raise awareness and support for the lawsuit. During the sensitive period of the Japanese hostage incident in Iraq, he issued a powerful public statement. In this statement, he called upon the perpetrator group to release the hostages, offering himself as a substitute for their freedom. Furthermore, he critically rebutted the "self-responsibility theory," which was advocated by then-Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and often used to place blame on the hostages. Minowa vehemently defended the three Japanese citizens, asserting that the government bore responsibility.
Although Minowa passed away before the lawsuit concluded, the Sapporo District Court delivered its judgment on November 19, 2007, dismissing the plaintiffs' claims. However, the plaintiffs subsequently appealed the decision to the Sapporo High Court, continuing the legal battle in line with the principles Minowa championed.
5. Works
Noboru Minowa was also an author, co-authoring several books reflecting his political and philosophical views, particularly on constitutional and defense matters.
- Co-authored with Masatoshi Uchida: `憲法9条と専守防衛Kenpō Kyūjō to Senshu BōeiJapanese` (Constitution Article 9 and Exclusive Defense), published by Nashinokisha in 2005.
- Co-authored with Kiyohiko Koike and Katsumi Takeoka: `我、自衛隊を愛す 故に、憲法9条を守る-防衛省元幹部3人の志Ware, Jieitai o Aisu Yue ni, Kenpō Kyūjō o Mamoru - Bōei-shō Moto Kanbu San-nin no KokorozashiJapanese` (I Love the Self-Defense Forces, Therefore I Protect Article 9 of the Constitution - The Will of Three Former Ministry of Defense Officials), published by Kamogawa Shuppan in 2007.
6. Death
Noboru Minowa passed away on May 14, 2006, at the age of 82. He died from pneumonia at the Sapporo Medical University Hospital in Sapporo, Hokkaido. His passing marked the end of a life dedicated to medicine and public service in Japan.
7. Assessment and Legacy
Noboru Minowa's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his contributions as a long-serving politician and his principled stands on national policy, which continue to resonate in discussions about Japan's defense posture and constitutional identity.
7.1. Historical Assessment
Noboru Minowa's career as both a physician and an eight-term member of the House of Representatives highlights a significant contribution to Japanese public life. His tenure in key positions, including Minister of Posts and Telecommunications and Defense Parliamentary Vice-Minister, demonstrates his deep involvement in national governance. His consistent re-election for eight terms underscores his strong connection with and support from his constituency in Hokkaido. Minowa was also a persistent advocate for the Hokkaido Shinkansen, demonstrating his commitment to regional development and infrastructure. His reception of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, First Class, further acknowledges his long service and contributions to the nation.
From a historical perspective, one of the most distinctive aspects of his legacy is his outspoken opposition to the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq. This stance was particularly notable given his previous role as a high-ranking defense official. His actions, including initiating legal challenges against the government and publicly defending Japanese citizens during the Iraq hostage crisis, positioned him as a principled figure dedicated to the spirit of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution and human rights. His active participation in the "Mass Media Article 9 Association" further solidified his image as a defender of constitutional pacifism, offering a compelling example of a politician willing to prioritize conviction over party alignment on critical national security issues.
7.2. Criticism and Controversies
Minowa's political journey, while largely successful, was not without its moments of challenge and controversy. A notable setback occurred during the 1987 Hokkaido gubernatorial election, where his chosen candidate, Akira Matsuura, suffered a significant defeat. This outcome led to Minowa's resignation as chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Hokkaido Federation, illustrating the direct accountability he faced for political strategies.
Furthermore, his career included a public dispute with the influential Liberal Democratic Party figure Shin Kanemaru. The disagreement arose from Minowa's decision to withdraw his affiliation from the Soseikai faction, a powerful group led by Takeshita Noboru. This defiance of a prominent party leader resulted in his dismissal from a key position within a Kanemaru-sponsored organization and being barred from its activities. This incident underscores the intense factional politics of the era and Minowa's willingness, at times, to challenge powerful figures, even if it led to personal political repercussions. While these episodes highlight areas of political difficulty or conflict, they also indirectly reflect a certain independence in Minowa's character and decision-making within the often rigid framework of Japanese party politics.
8. External links
- [http://kamuimintara.net/sub/129_01.pdf Biography.pdf]