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His own party calls him traitor. Can Japan’s new PM rebuild trust in politics?

Ishiba Shigeru was sworn in as Japan’s prime minister Tuesday following a series of political scandals that, along with economic stagnation, has tanked his party’s approval ratings.

The former defense minister secured the position last week when he narrowly won a race to lead Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament. His victory came as a surprise.

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Japan’s new prime minister – its third in four years – offers the ruling Liberal Democratic Party a steady hand in a time of crisis. Snap elections will be a test of how quickly his administration can restore trust.

For decades, fellow lawmakers have considered Mr. Ishiba a “party traitor” due to his vocal criticism of colleagues. Even now, some worry his fraught relationships with LDP heavyweights will weaken the incoming administration.

But among smaller party chapters and the general public, Mr. Ishiba’s perceived integrity, vast government experience, and focus on revitalizing Japan’s rural regions have made him extremely popular.

The new prime minister has announced plans to hold snap elections for the lower house of parliament on Oct. 27 – a year earlier than required by law – in what many view as an effort to capitalize on his popularity and secure the LDP’s majority.

“I would like our administration to trust the public and win public confidence,” said Mr. Ishiba.

Economic stagnation and a slew of political scandals have tanked the reputation of Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Now its members must put their faith in a “party traitor” to build back trust.

Former Defense Minister Ishiba Shigeru officially took office as prime minister on Tuesday, days after the LDP, which holds a parliament majority, elected him party leader. The internal party election was one of the most competitive in recent history, and Mr. Ishiba’s narrow victory came as a surprise. 

For decades, fellow lawmakers have held Mr. Ishiba in low regard due to his vocal criticism of LDP colleagues. A stint with an opposing party in the 1990s earned him the “traitor” label. Even now, some wonder if his fraught relationships with LDP heavyweights will weaken the incoming administration. But among smaller party chapters and the general public, Mr. Ishiba’s perceived integrity, vast government experience, and focus on rural revitalization have made him extremely popular.

Why We Wrote This

A story focused on

Japan’s new prime minister – its third in four years – offers the ruling Liberal Democratic Party a steady hand in a time of crisis. Snap elections will be a test of how quickly his administration can restore trust.

“Mr. Ishiba is a steady hand” for the party and Japan, says Tamura Shigenobu, a Tokyo-based political analyst and former LDP staffer.

The new prime minister has announced plans to hold snap elections for the lower house of parliament on Oct. 27 – a year earlier than required by law – in what many view as an effort to capitalize on his popularity and secure the LDP’s majority.

“I would like our administration to trust the public and win public confidence,” said Mr. Ishiba shortly after he was sworn in. 

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