Meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a defence “geek” who loves crafting model ships and military models. Despite his popularity, Ishiba faces challenges after calling snap elections on Sunday, risking his short tenure as PM.
Recently elected as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Ishiba aims to revitalize rural regions, address Japan’s falling population, and increase the national minimum wage. He also supports the creation of a regional military alliance to counter China.
However, Ishiba has faced criticism for wavering on key issues like separate surnames for married couples and capital gains tax rates. His approval ratings have dropped, leading some polls to suggest that the LDP may not win a majority on its own in the upcoming elections.
As Ishiba’s future as prime minister hangs in the balance, analysts speculate on the possibility of a leadership change within the LDP. Only time will tell how Ishiba’s gamble of calling early elections will play out.