TOKYO, Sept 27 (Askume) – Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba will become Japan’s prime minister on Friday after winning a close election, making his fifth and final attempt to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The 67-year-old political veteran defeated hardline nationalist Sanae Takaichi in the second round of voting. It is one of the most unpredictable leadership elections in decades, with a record number of candidates running.
The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, which ruled Japan for almost the entire post-war period, was confident of becoming the next prime minister because of his majority in parliament. Parliament is scheduled to hold a special session on Tuesday to appoint Ishiba to the post.
After the election results came in, Ishiba gave an emotional speech to members of the Liberal Democratic Party. He said: “We must trust the people, tell the truth bravely and honestly, and work together to make Japan a safe country where everyone can live once and for all.” Smile.
The race to succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida began in August, when Kishida announced his resignation amid a series of scandals that sent support for the Liberal Democratic Party to a record low.
Ishiba, a self-proclaimed “lone wolf” whose conflicting views and feuds with colleagues led to four failed leadership bids, has long been popular with the public. But he said this was his “last battle.”
The Liberal Democratic Party faces a general election in the next 13 months, and analysts say Ishiba’s election shows some in the party have set aside personal grievances to take advantage of his public appeal.
“They’re attracted to people who have a strong media presence and who don’t shy away from criticism if they think their party is wrong,” said Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at the University of Kanda’s School of International Studies.
The yen strengthened against the dollar after Ishiba’s victory, limiting losses on news that Ishiba would face higher prices from monetary doves and fiscal expansionists in the second round of the election.
Controversial issues
Sheeba faces many challenges at home and abroad.
He will have to calm growing anger at the rising cost of living and scandal-plagued political parties, and deal with a volatile security environment in East Asia caused by growing aggression from China and nuclear-armed North Korea.
His diplomacy toward the United States, Japan’s closest ally, will be in focus as he repeatedly calls for a more balanced relationship with Washington.
During his campaign, he called for an Asian NATO, an idea that could anger Beijing and which one senior US official considered a hasty move.
US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel posted a message on Instagram to congratulate Ishiba and said he looked forward to working with him to strengthen the US-Japan alliance. Asked about Ishiba’s appointment, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Beijing hopes Japan will have an “objective and correct” understanding of China.
Ishiba entered Parliament in 1986 after a brief stint in the banking industry. His outspoken views have made him enemies within the Liberal Democratic Party.
His marginalization by outgoing Prime Minister Kishida has made him an opposition voice within the party and he enjoys widespread support among LDP rank-and-file members and the public.
Ishiba has opposed a number of policies including the increased use of nuclear power, which has become a controversial topic since the disastrous meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011. He has also come out in support of Japan’s policy banning same-sex marriage for couples with different surnames, which his party has criticised.
Hideki Masui, head of the Japan Atomic Energy Industry Forum, a nuclear power lobby group, said on Friday he hopes Japan’s new leadership will continue to promote the development of nuclear power, which he sees as vital to Japan’s energy security.
Rintaro Nishimura, a partner at Japan Asia Group, said Ishiba would need a broad base when forming his Cabinet to consolidate his rule over a fragmented party.
“If he only gives awards to people who support him, it will cause a lot of trouble between those who support Takaichi and those who don’t like him,” Nishimura said.
Ishiba is expected to announce his cabinet after a parliamentary session on Tuesday.
