Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister favored by leaders in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), won a tight election (Kyodo) to lead the party and thus become Japan’s next prime minister. Kishida has promised continuity (Nikkei) with LDP policies of recent years, pledged to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open, and voiced concern over China’s aggressive behavior.
Party members chose Kishida as their leader despite polls that showed the public favored Taro Kono, who led Japan’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and has espoused left-leaning views (NYT) on social issues. Kishida’s political positions are more similar to those of outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who resigned earlier this month amid waning popularity.
Analysis
“From a security standpoint, diplomatic standpoint, I don’t think we’re going to see much change,” the RAND Corporation’s Jeffrey W. Hornung tells the Washington Post.
“Although his profile has increased through party leadership bids, Kishida’s name recognition is still limited, making it uncertain whether he can capture the public’s imagination as LDP leader ahead of a general election slated to be held by November,” the Japan Times’ Satoshi Sugiyama tweets.
