The ruling party of Japan has designated former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba as its leader, positioning him to assume the role of prime minister in the coming week. This ascension to party leadership holds significant weight as the Liberal Democratic Party's ruling coalition currently wields control in the parliament.
Ishiba's victory came after prevailing over Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also contended for the position with the ambition of becoming Japan's inaugural female prime minister. He will now succeed Japan's current premier Fumio Kishida as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the nation's next prime minister.
Who is Shigeru Ishiba?
Ishiba was born on 4 February 1957 in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, while his registered domicile was his father's hometown in the Yazu District of Tottori Prefecture. His father Jirō Ishiba was a government official then serving as Vice Minister of Construction. His mother was a teacher and a granddaughter of the Christian minister Michitomo Kanamori.
Shigeru Ishiba Political Journey:
Shigeru Ishiba is a Japanese politician who has served as President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) since 2024. Ishiba became a key figure within the LDP, running for party leadership multiple times. First in 2008 where he placed fifth, and notably against Shinzo Abe in 2012 and 2018. In 2021 election he declined to run in the election but ran for the fifth and final time in 2024 where he beat opponent Sanae Takaichi. Ishiba held various prominent positions, including Director-General of the Defense Agency and Minister of Defense under prime minister Yasuo Fukuda and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under Tarō Asō.
Upon the announcement of his triumph, Ishiba conveyed his appreciation through gestures of standing, waving, and bowing repeatedly. He articulated his commitment to reinstating the party's ethos of humility, equity, and receptiveness to active discourse. Ishiba also avowed to wholeheartedly dedicate himself to fostering Japan as a nation of safety and security, where every individual can lead a contented life.
Source: Agency news and information from public domain
