Shigeru Ishiba became the 65th Japanese Prime Minister on Tuesday taking office amid escalating regional tensions.
The new Premeir is known for his defense expertise but he faces challenges of chauffeuring Japan’s independence, including revising the Status of Forces Agreement with the U.S.
Ishiba unveiled his Cabinet the same day as his election as prime minister by parliament, having announced senior party appointments a day earlier.
The new leader enters office as food prices hike in October which will affect nearly 3,000 food products surpassing April’s figure — the previous highest number in 2024 — by 0.5%, according to a survey by research firm Teikoku Databank.
The new leader selected members of his team who were largely untainted by a party political funds scandal that heavily damaged public trust in the LDP.
“The first thing we must do in order to win back people’s trust is make political reforms. If politics costs money, we must explain this in a careful and thorough manner. It is, of course, necessary to disclose the money collected with complete transparency,” Ishiba said at a late Tuesday evening news conference.
Ishiba, says he will dissolve the Lower House next week for a snap election on Oct. 27.
“I believe it’s important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible,” the newly elected Liberal Democratic Party president said at a news conference announcing the decision Monday.
The timing of the move is highly unusual and not without controversy.
