Veteran Japan Lawmaker Shigeru Ishiba Set to Become Prime Minister After ‘Final Battle’ According to Reuters

By Sakura Murakami, John Geddie, and Tim Kelly

TOKYO – Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is poised to become Japan’s prime minister after winning a competitive election for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday. This victory marks his fifth attempt to ascend to this position, which he has described as his "final battle."

The 67-year-old political veteran triumphed over hard-line nationalist Sanae Takaichi in a decisive run-off vote during one of the most unpredictable leadership races in recent decades, featuring a record nine candidates. The leader of the LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics since the post-war era, is virtually guaranteed to assume the premiership due to the party’s parliamentary majority. A special parliamentary session is scheduled for Tuesday to officially vote Ishiba into office.

In his speech to LDP lawmakers after the announcement, an emotional Ishiba emphasized the need for unity and integrity, stating, "We must believe in the people, speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and work together to make Japan a safe and secure country where everyone can live with a smile once again."

The race to succeed Fumio Kishida as prime minister was prompted by Kishida’s announcement in August that he would resign amid a series of scandals that severely impacted the LDP’s approval ratings.

Ishiba, known for his independent thinking and past conflicts with party colleagues, has maintained popularity among the public despite previous unsuccessful leadership bids. Analysts suggest that some party members may be setting aside personal grievances to leverage Ishiba’s appeal as the LDP prepares for a general election within the next year.

"Party members have gravitated towards a popular figure who excels in media interactions and is willing to criticize his party when necessary," noted Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies.

Following Ishiba’s election, the yen gained value against the dollar, recovering from losses incurred when news broke about his run-off against the fiscally inclined Takaichi.

Ishiba’s administration will confront numerous challenges on both domestic and international fronts. He must address rising living costs and public dissatisfaction with the LDP, all while navigating a tense security landscape in East Asia, characterized by China’s assertiveness and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

His diplomatic approach towards the United States, Japan’s closest ally, will be under scrutiny. Ishiba has previously advocated for a more balanced partnership with Washington and proposed the creation of an Asian NATO, a notion that has drawn criticism from U.S. officials as premature and could provoke Beijing.

The U.S. ambassador to Japan expressed congratulations to Ishiba, eagerly anticipating collaboration to enhance the U.S.-Japan alliance. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson expressed hope that Japan would maintain an "objective and correct" understanding of China in light of Ishiba’s appointment.

Ishiba’s political journey began in 1986 after a short stint in banking. His vocal opinions have often placed him at odds with others in the LDP, particularly after he was marginalized by Kishida, which led him to emerge as a dissenting voice, earning support from both party members and the general public.

He has opposed various party policies, such as the increased use of nuclear energy—a highly sensitive topic due to the Fukushima disaster—and criticized the party’s stance on Japan’s ban on separate surnames for married couples.

The head of Japan’s nuclear energy lobby has expressed hopes that the new leadership will continue to promote nuclear power, citing its importance to national energy security.

To consolidate his leadership over a divided party, Ishiba will need to build a broad coalition in forming his cabinet. Rintaro Nishimura from The Asia Group Japan commented, "If he only rewards those who supported him, it could lead to significant issues with those who backed Takaichi and his detractors."

Ishiba is anticipated to announce his cabinet following Tuesday’s parliamentary session.