Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation after less than a year in the role, following two crushing election losses in mid-term elections.
His resignation came a day before opponents in his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) were expected to vote him out. This sets the stage for yet another ruling party leadership contest in Tokyo, marking the third contest in five years.
However, the new candidate will face daunting tasks such as balancing US-Japan relations, dealing with rising inflation and a cost of living crisis, and addressing a government that has lost its majority in both parliamentary houses.
Why did Ishiba resign?
The rapid turnover in the role has become a troubling pattern, primarily fueled by weak public support and party infighting. Ishiba initially resisted calls to step down but ultimately made the decision before facing potential internal challenge, acknowledging significant dissatisfaction within the party.
Who might be the country's next leader?
The LDP is expected to conduct a vote early in October, with few candidates publicly declaring their intentions. Possible contenders include Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a former prime minister; Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief cabinet secretary; and Sanae Takaichi, who could become Japan’s first female prime minister.
What challenges will the next leader face?
The incoming prime minister will need to unify a divided party and restore voter confidence amid a notable shift towards nationalist politics. Rising prices and a weaker yen have exacerbated the situation, leading to public frustrations and shifting alliances in voter support.
Why does Japan see so many prime ministers?
Japan's political instability can be attributed to its largely homogeneous party system, where the LDP dominates the political landscape. This creates fierce internal factions vying for power, leading to high turnover in leadership positions.
