Ishiba Becomes Japan's PM After Beating Right-Wing LDP Leader

Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba was chosen as Japan’s new prime minister after defeating staunch conservative Sanae Takaichi in a leadership race for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Mari Yamaguchi and Foster Klug reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Ishiba’s centrist positions were seen as essential for countering the liberal opposition, as the party struggled to regain public trust amid corruption scandals that plagued outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration. I Photo: さかおり Wikimedia Commons

Ishiba’s unexpected victory against Takaichi, who aspired to become Japan’s first female prime minister, marks a strategic shift for the LDP.

Ishiba’s centrist positions were seen as essential for countering the liberal opposition, as the party struggled to regain public trust amid corruption scandals that plagued outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration.

The LDP, which has ruled Japan almost continuously since World War II, hopes Ishiba's leadership can reverse its declining popularity.

Following his victory, Ishiba expressed his dedication to restoring public confidence, pledging to make the LDP a party that fosters open discussion, fairness, and humility. He emphasized the need to bolster Japan’s security in light of recent airspace violations by Russia and China, as well as missile tests by North Korea.

Ishiba also promised to continue policies aimed at overcoming deflation, raising wages, and addressing Japan’s declining birthrate and disaster resilience, Chisato Tanaka and Kim Tong-hyung reported for AP.