The 70-year-old serving at the forefront of Japanese politics has sparked speculation regarding his intention to prolong the current regime. The discussion has been sparked due to the recent political dealings within the nation, although no official announcement has been made. This political move is viewed as controversial due to the traditional values in Japanese society regarding age, leadership, and retirement.
In Japan, age is commonly linked with wisdom and experience which might result in respect and support for the elderly in politics. However, concerns about rigidity, lack of innovation, and health risks due to old age might shed a negative light on such a political situation. Japanese society may question whether leaders should hold power indefinitely or if there should be term limits to encourage transition and new perspectives.
In the U.S or EU, a mix of ages can be seen in political leadership. However, political power is not typically held indefinitely due to term limits, mandatory retirement, or typical practice of stepping down. Yet, age is still a debated issue in the West whether youth promises agility and fresh perspectives, or if age brings wisdom and experience.