Japan’s LDP Prepares Leadership Race After Ishiba Resignation

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation following a series of election losses that left the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) without majorities in both parliamentary chambers, triggering an emergency leadership contest. Ishiba took responsibility for the defeats, which reflected public frustration over issues like soaring living costs and a funding scandal involving unreported profits by LDP lawmakers. The leadership election, scheduled for October 4, features prominent candidates including Sanae Takaichi, who could become Japan's first female prime minister, and Shinjiro Koizumi, potentially the youngest in the modern era. Both candidates have contrasting policy views, with Takaichi opposing the Bank of Japan's interest rate hikes and advocating increased government spending, while Koizumi is seen as a reformer focused on restoring public trust. The loss of a parliamentary majority means the new LDP leader is not guaranteed to become prime minister, raising the possibility that an opposition leader could assume the position. The contest is pivotal as Japan faces significant domestic and international challenges, including economic stagnation and regional security concerns.