Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader on Friday, positioning him to become the next prime minister. With the LDP controlling the majority in parliament, Ishiba’s leadership win is effectively a ticket to Japan’s top office. Known for his expertise in defense policy, Ishiba has advocated for a stronger security alliance between Japan and the US and has floated the idea of an Asian version of NATO. A vocal supporter of Taiwan’s democracy, he has also called for the establishment of a disaster management agency in Japan, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.

Ishiba triumphed over Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who would have been Japan’s first female prime minister. The leadership contest saw a record nine candidates, including two women, vying for the position. The vote was decided by LDP parliamentarians and about 1 million party members, which represents only 1% of Japan's eligible voters.

Outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, plagued by scandals within the party, has resigned, paving the way for fresh leadership. The LDP hopes Ishiba’s election will restore public trust ahead of an expected general election. Kishida and his cabinet are scheduled to formally step down on Tuesday, after which Ishiba will be confirmed as prime minister in a parliamentary vote and form a new cabinet.

Despite the LDP’s internal struggles, Japan's main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, has failed to gain significant momentum. However, the party's new leader, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, is pushing for a conservative shift, which experts believe could lead to broader political realignments in the coming months. With Ishiba's appointment, Japan faces a potential return to the political instability seen in the early 2000s.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its new leader on Friday, positioning him to become the next prime minister. With the LDP controlling the majority in parliament, Ishiba’s leadership win is effectively a ticket to Japan’s top office. Known for his expertise in defense policy, Ishiba has advocated for a stronger security alliance between Japan and the US and has floated the idea of an Asian version of NATO. A vocal supporter of Taiwan’s democracy, he has also called for the establishment of a disaster management agency in Japan, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.

Ishiba triumphed over Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who would have been Japan’s first female prime minister. The leadership contest saw a record nine candidates, including two women, vying for the position. The vote was decided by LDP parliamentarians and about 1 million party members, which represents only 1% of Japan's eligible voters.

Outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, plagued by scandals within the party, has resigned, paving the way for fresh leadership. The LDP hopes Ishiba’s election will restore public trust ahead of an expected general election. Kishida and his cabinet are scheduled to formally step down on Tuesday, after which Ishiba will be confirmed as prime minister in a parliamentary vote and form a new cabinet.

Despite the LDP’s internal struggles, Japan's main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, has failed to gain significant momentum. However, the party's new leader, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, is pushing for a conservative shift, which experts believe could lead to broader political realignments in the coming months. With Ishiba's appointment, Japan faces a potential return to the political instability seen in the early 2000s.