Shigeru Ishiba, a former Japanese defense minister, emerged victorious in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership race, paving the way for him to become Japan’s 102nd prime minister. The 67-year-old defeated Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi and is set to succeed Fumio Kishida, the outgoing prime minister who announced his resignation in August.
The leadership race culminated in a runoff as none of the nine candidates initially secured a majority. Notably, Takaichi and Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko were the two female candidates in the race, highlighting the ongoing quest for Japan to have its first woman prime minister.
With the LDP holding a majority in the parliament, along with its coalition partner, the Komeito Party, Ishiba’s election marks a significant political shift in Japan. As he gears up to assume office, all eyes are on how he will navigate the country through key challenges and opportunities on the horizon.