Shintaro Ishihara: Granddaughter Reveals Kind Side & Family’s First Lawyer

The daughter of former Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General and journalist Shinkaku Ishihara revealed a surprising anecdote about her grandfather, former Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, during a recent television appearance. Sachiko Ishihara, a newly qualified lawyer, shared that her grandfather reacted with unusual generosity upon learning of her success in passing the bar exam.

Appearing on Nippon Television’s “Shabekuri 007” alongside her parents, Shinkaku Ishihara and former actress Risa Tanaka, and her brother, Sachiko Ishihara described her grandfather as typically frugal. However, upon hearing she had become the first lawyer in the Ishihara family, he immediately offered to buy her a car. “He’s usually quite stingy,” she explained, “but he suddenly said, ‘Let’s go buy a car!’”

The unexpected gift was a Mini Cooper, a purchase that reportedly surprised the entire family. Shintaro Ishihara’s enthusiastic response contrasted sharply with his normally reserved demeanor, according to his granddaughter. The television appearance marked the first time the Ishihara family had appeared together on television, offering a rare glimpse into their personal lives.

Shinkaku Ishihara has held numerous prominent positions throughout his career, including serving as a member of the House of Representatives, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Minister of the Environment. His father, Shintaro Ishihara, was a long-serving politician and Governor of Tokyo from 1999 to 2012, and also served as a member of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Sachiko Ishihara’s brother, Shinbuku Ishihara, was born in 1999.

The family’s appearance on “Shabekuri 007” also included a surprise visit from former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, according to reports.