<![CDATA[This study examines the use of metaphors by 3 Japanese prime ministers in office from 2012–2024: PM Abe Shinzo, PM Suga Yoshihide, and PM Kishida Fumio. The data were taken from 10 speech transcripts from diet session meetings and press conferences. The portions of the transcripts analyzed are those that discuss an aging population as a serious demographic crisis facing Japan. The issues addressed are the identification of metaphors and their cognitive processes, the interpretation of metaphors, and the ideology behind their use. The data were analyzed using qualitative research procedures and a systematic guide for conducting critical metaphor analysis. The research results show that 7 conceptual metaphors were found that refer to the urgency of transforming the social security system carried out by the government. The seven conceptual metaphors are: THE ECONOMY IS AN ORGANISM, PROGRESS IS MOVING FORWARD, POLICY IS A WEAPON, A PROBLEM IS A WALL, THE MAIN SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD IS A BUILDING’S PILLAR, PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES IS OPENING A PATH, and THE FUTURE IS A BURDEN. In addition, from the use of metaphors in their speeches, it is also known that the three prime ministers convey 2 types of emotions that coexist: concern and optimism. Concern is expressed when they discuss problems arising in society, while optimism is expressed when they present the government’s plans to address those problems. Furthermore, the analysis at the metaphor-explanation stage shows that the focus of the three Japanese prime ministers is economic recovery through empowering society. Basically, the three Japanese prime ministers want to maintain Japan’s position among the top three economies in the world, which is threatened by the rising burden of social security costs every year.]]>
