Takeshi Iwaya, Member of the House of Representatives and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Japan can use the diplomatic skills it has cultivated to lead the world towards cooperation rather than division.

Takeshi Iwaya, Member of the House of Representatives and Minister of Foreign Affairs

■ Profile
Born on August 24, 1957, in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. Graduated from Kagoshima La Salle High School and Waseda University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Department of Political Science. After graduation, he learned the fundamentals of politics as a parliamentary secretary. In 1987, he was first elected to the Oita Prefectural Assembly (at the age of 29). In 1990, he was first elected to the House of Representatives from the former Oita 2nd district (at the age of 32). He has been elected 10 times to date. He has served as Minister of Defense, Chairman of the Party's National Defense Division, Chairman of the Party's Security Research Committee, and other positions up to the present day.

■What was your student life like?

Aspiring to be a politician, I joined the Oratorical Society at Waseda University and was active there for a while. Many of the Oratorical Society's alumni were actually active in the world of politics. At one point, I thought it would be good to see the political scene firsthand, so I worked part-time for the election campaign of Representative Kunio Hatoyama, who would later become my mentor. That's how I ended up living as both a student and Mr. Hatoyama's secretary. I was in the Faculty of Political Science and Economics, but I was more interested in political philosophy than economics, so I diligently read classics of political philosophy. I was also a member of a research group for Tan Ishibashi, a Waseda University alumnus who also served as Prime Minister, and I diligently read his essays and other writings from that time.

■Please tell us about your current initiatives and future vision.

After serving as a member of the Oita Prefectural Assembly, I became a member of the House of Representatives. I believe that the foundation of national politics lies in diplomacy and national security, and I have focused my efforts on these two areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for dealing with approximately 2 countries around the world and international organizations such as UNICEF. It also plays a role in economic diplomacy, ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens overseas and supporting Japanese companies operating abroad.
Even 80 years after the end of World War II, wars and conflicts continue unabated around the world. The international order and free trade system established after the war are also beginning to waver. In times like these, I believe Japan's role is to resolve conflicts and aid in reconstruction through diplomatic efforts, and to prevent new conflicts from arising. Japan is dependent on overseas for food and energy resources. Without world peace, Japan cannot prosper, and peace is the wish of people all over the world. Based on the diplomatic strength that Japan has cultivated so far, I would like to lead the world towards cooperation rather than division, and towards reconciliation rather than conflict.

■Please give us a message for students

"Follow your heart" and "Stay true to your conviction." It means to be true to your own feelings and to stick to your beliefs. After nearly 40 years of political activity, I've come to realize that what's easy is never the right thing. The more right you are, the more difficulties await you, but I hope you won't give up.
No matter how many obstacles you hit, I hope you will stay true to your feelings and stick to your beliefs. Having strong beliefs can sometimes lead to hardship, but even so, I want to offer these words to all young people.

Student Newspaper, October 2025 Issue, Naokazu Shimada, 10rd Year Student, Hosei University

Hayato Kanemaru (1st year, Tokyo University of Science) / Ayuki Erikawa (1st year, Information Management Innovation Professional University) / Rurika Abe (2nd year, Showa Women's University) / Ayami Matsuyama (1st year, Aoyama Gakuin University) / Yudai Suzuki (2nd year, Gakushuin University) / Naokazu Shimada (3rd year, Hosei University)