“I sincerely apologize for all my mistakes.” Shigeru Ishiba began his tenure as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and by extension as the new Prime Minister of Japan with an attempt to deepen his political path and – first level – self-criticism.
“I’ve admittedly hurt a lot of people’s feelings, I’ve caused unpleasant experiences and I’ve made a lot of people suffer,” he continued after winning the intra-party duel. She had beaten the ultra-conservative Sanae Takaichi, who had secured a narrow lead after the first round, but reached 47.43%.
On the other hand, the triumphant Isiba collected 52.57% of the votes of the electorate and after four failed attempts took over the reins of the ruling faction. Together with the leadership of the country of the rising sun.
The fifth and last time
He had described his involvement in the succession process for Fumio Kishida as “final battle” of his political career since since 2008 he has been trying to rise to the presidency of the LDP, but every time he has failed.
In 2008 he was fifth, in 2012 and 2018 second losing to Shinzo Abe, in 2020 he ended up third in the preferences. In 2021 he chose to stay out of the race, but he came back stronger in 2024, achieving what he had set his sights on for years.
“I will do everything I can to show faith to the people, tell the truth with courage and honesty and work to make this country a safe and secure place where everyone can live with a smile again,” she said in another part of her Ishiba in his speech, attempting to show that Japan is now entering a new era.
Who is Shigeru Ishiba and what does he stand for?
Born in Tokyo in 1957 to a father who was a local lord and later a government official, he quickly became involved in the political arena using his name. At the age of 33, he was already a Member of Parliament, as the youngest of the time, leaving behind a short career in the banking industry.
After experimenting with various schemes, in 1997 he returned to the LDP to gradually assume very important government posts. He mainly headed the pivotal Ministry of Defence, a tenure in which he was quite popular. He was also Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Christian by faith and married with two daughters, he likes pop music from previous decades (70s, 80s) and reading a lot, while in his spare time he devotes himself to modeling. It mainly specializes in the manufacture of warplanes, trains and ships.
Japan’s next Prime Minister, Ishiba Shigeru, is a proud otaku who loves putting together model ships, airplanes, and cars. pic.twitter.com/aLHsTb2Qe3
— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) September 27, 2024
In this new challenge he will be asked to “glue” and unite the pieces of a fragmented society, completely broken by the corruption of the last years, the cost of living and the insecurity in the wider region.
Rising wages, Asian NATO and immediacy
Isiba has pledged to raise wages and lower taxes, equality for all classes, the rule of law and a gradual transition to renewables as a “warrior” of nuclear power. During his election campaign, he put on the table the conditions for the establishment of an “Asian NATO”.
Japan’s diplomatic relations with the United States will undoubtedly come under fire as it has repeatedly called for a more balanced relationship with Washington. The US embassy has already congratulated him on his election.
Extroverted as a character, Ishiba bets on the directness and self-mockery that has distinguished him all these years, communicating his thoughts either through the New Media (social media, YouTube) or through controversial methods. Like when – at a museum opening – he wore a costume of a character (Majin Buu) from Dragon Ball.
Japan’s Next Prime Minister: Shigeru Ishiba!!! pic.twitter.com/bh4HCmA5E9
— I’m_in_Underworld (@I’m_Underworld) September 27, 2024
He never hesitated to criticize his own party for “bad texts” that he saw from time to time, thus creating internal enemies and being sidelined.
Now “in order to consolidate his dominance in a fractured party, Ishiba will need to draw from a broad base to form the cabinet,” commented a Japanese political analyst, speaking of the need for flexibility on the part of the new prime minister.
Until today Isiba was described as a “lone wolf” within his party. As the leader of the country he seems obliged to turn into the leader of the pack.
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