Shigeru Ishiba Officially Becomes Japan’s New Prime Minister
Ishiba has announced his new Cabinet, but he did not include Sanae Takaichi, a hardline nationalist he defeated in the leadership contest.
Shigeru Ishiba has officially become Japan’s new prime minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida, who resigned earlier on Tuesday.
He was then officially sworn in as prime minister by Emperor Naruhito in a ceremony at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.
When announcing his Cabinet, Ishiba excluded Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative and nationalist whom he defeated 215 votes to 194 in Friday’s leadership vote.
This marked Ishiba’s fifth attempt at the party leadership since he first entered parliament in 1986.
Ishiba, who plans to hold a press conference later on Tuesday, has already stated his intention to call for a snap general election on Oct. 27.
The LDP, which had until October 2025 to call for an election, currently holds 259 of the 465 seats in the lower house of the Parliament, known as the Diet.
The party, in power for most of the period since 1955, is expected to win the upcoming election, albeit possibly with a reduced majority.
Ishiba Wants ‘Public’s Judgment’
