Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who had taken office on October 1, after a vote by Japan’s parliament following his succession of Fumio Kishida, won over Yoshihiko Noda, head of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, or CDP. However, Ishiba now leads a minority government after his ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost the majority in the lower house in last month’s election.
A New Phase of Leadership
The 67-year-old leader, who has had experience in Japan as its defence minister, is known for frankness and his critical view of his party, even former Prime Ministers Kishida and Shinzo Abe. For this, he has received a certain level of popular support but has also churned up party infighting.
His taking over as the LDP leader puts Ishiba in an uncomfortable spot since his minority government would have to rely on opposition parties in order to get valuable bills and budgets passed, thus raising the possibility of legislative deadlocks.
Economic and Political Challenges
Ishiba takes office under extreme stress as Japan faces record inflation, a slowing economy, and a low yen: all of which have added up to widespread public discontent.
The past years of LDP politics have been marred by scandals over the Unification Church, as well as allegations of raising money in illicit ways. Kishida resigned in August 2008 amid allegations of such problems, reflecting public calls for greater accountability and reform within the LDP that Ishiba has vowed to take seriously.
Foreign Policy and Defense Agenda
Internationally, Ishiba’s leadership coincides with times of high geopolitical instability, especially following Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States, which could signal more protectionist policies and potential trade tariffs on Japanese exports, such as steel.
Ishiba has previously made calls for higher defense spending and has championed progressive social policy, like marriage equality and rights for couples to have separate surnames, although he has stated the latter needs further discussion in order to fit in with the conservative tenor of the LDP.
NHK comments, Ishiba said his remarks focused attention on the concerns of the public. “The Japanese people have shown their desire for the LDP to act in alignment with their expectations.” His new cabinet retains most of the members from the previous one but will include replacements for those who lost their seats in the recent election, so the coming period is going to be difficult but crucial for Japanese politics.