Changing of the Guard

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Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected Shigeru Ishiba as its leader and the country’s new prime minister, following a party election that could prompt potential shifts in both domestic policies and Tokyo’s foreign relations, particularly its key alliance with the United States, Politico reported.

Ishiba, a 67-year-old former defense minister, was elected president of the LDP in a close runoff vote victory against lawmaker Sanae Takaichi, winning by 215 votes against 194.

He will take office Tuesday and replace outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has struggled with declining popularity despite his strong foreign policy record.

Though a longtime LDP member, Ishiba has often been an outsider within the party’s elite ranks: He left the LDP briefly in the past and challenged its leadership multiple times, failing in four previous bids for the top role.

Known for his pragmatism and obsession with policy detail, Ishiba has clashed with prominent party figures, including the late Shinzo Abe, whose “Abenomics” policies he opposed. Despite these tensions, Ishiba has gained in popularity with rank-and-file party members and the general public.

His win defied predictions that favored Takaichi, a pro-business candidate and supporter of “Abenomics.”

On the international front, Ishiba’s defense and foreign policy stances have sparked debate.

He has called for revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution and a renegotiation of the US-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, which dates back to 1960. These proposals are seen as part of his broader goal of “restoring Japanese sovereignty,” though they have raised concerns in Washington, given Japan’s critical role in US efforts to counter China in East Asia, according to Politico.

Ishiba also plans to continue Japan’s defense buildup, with military spending set to double by 2027.

To solidify his leadership, Ishiba plans to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold a general election on Oct. 27, Kyodo News added.

His cabinet is expected to include key figures, such as former Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya, signaling a focus on defense, disaster management and economic security.

Even so, observers noted that internal divisions within the LDP remain a challenge, and Ishiba will have to unify a fragmented ruling party.