Shigeru Ishiba has been selected to lead Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning him to become the country's next prime minister in two days. This development marks a significant shift in Japanese politics, as the LDP has been the dominant political force since 1955.
The 67-year-old veteran politician brings extensive policy experience to the role, having served in various key Cabinet positions, including as defense minister and agriculture minister. Ishiba's selection comes at a crucial time for Japan, as the country grapples with numerous challenges, including an aging population and economic pressures.
Japan's demographic situation is particularly concerning, with over 28% of the population aged 65 or older and one of the world's lowest birth rates at 1.3 children per woman. These factors contribute to a shrinking workforce and increasing strain on social services.
Ishiba faces the immediate task of unifying the LDP, which has been fractured by recent corruption scandals. His centrist stance may help bridge divides within the party and appeal to a broader electorate. This approach could prove crucial in countering the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, founded in 2017 and led by former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.
On the policy front, Ishiba is known for his expertise in defense and security matters. He has proposed creating an Asian version of NATO and advocating for a more balanced Japan-U.S. security alliance. These ideas come against the backdrop of Japan's unique military situation, with its Self-Defense Forces established in 1954 under a constitution that has never been amended since its enactment in 1947.
Ishiba has also expressed support for progressive social policies. He advocates for gender equality in a country that ranks 120th out of 156 in the global gender gap index. The new LDP leader supports revising the 19th-century civil code that requires married couples to share a surname, typically resulting in women adopting their husband's name. Additionally, he favors legalizing same-sex marriage, which is currently not recognized in Japan.
"Japanese women are among the shortest sleepers in the world because of their heavy responsibilities both at work and home. Most husbands, including myself, hardly help with childrearing and homemaking."
The incoming prime minister's policy agenda will need to address Japan's economic challenges, including the world's highest debt-to-GDP ratio, exceeding 250%. However, he will also be able to leverage Japan's strengths, such as its position as the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP and its reputation for safety, boasting one of the lowest crime rates among developed nations.
Ishiba's personal interests, including a fondness for anime and curry rice, reflect broader cultural trends in Japan. The anime and manga industries contribute billions of dollars annually to the economy, while curry, introduced by the British in the late 19th century, has become a beloved national dish.
As Shigeru Ishiba prepares to lead Japan, he will need to balance the country's traditional strengths with the need for reform and adaptation to address pressing demographic, economic, and social challenges. His success in this endeavor will be crucial for Japan's future trajectory in an increasingly complex global landscape.