Toshimitsu Motegi Enters Race to Succeed Shigeru Ishiba as PM

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, prompting a race for succession within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba’s decision comes after his coalition lost its majority in both houses of parliament in elections marked by significant voter discontent over rising living costs. In his resignation, Ishiba took full responsibility for this electoral setback and instructed the LDP to organize an emergency leadership election.

The party has scheduled this critical election for October 4, 2025, according to a report from broadcaster TBS, citing an unnamed senior party official. Toshimitsu Motegi, the former foreign minister, has become the first candidate to officially announce his intention to run for leadership. Speaking to reporters, Motegi emphasized the urgency of uniting the party to address Japan’s pressing challenges, stating, “The LDP is facing its worst crisis since its founding.”

As the political landscape evolves, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, has also indicated plans to enter the race. However, the primary contenders are anticipated to be Motegi, Sanae Takaichi, and Shinjiro Koizumi. Takaichi, at 64, could potentially become Japan’s first female leader, while Koizumi, at 44, stands to be the youngest in the modern era. Both candidates previously finished second and third, respectively, in the last leadership contest held in September.

Investors are closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding Takaichi’s potential leadership. Known for her conservative stance and opposition to the Bank of Japan’s interest rate hikes, she has called for increased government spending to stimulate Japan’s fragile economy. Following Ishiba’s resignation, the yen fell, and stock prices rose, reflecting speculation that a new leadership could pivot towards looser monetary policies.

Takaichi’s leadership bid is expected to draw attention not only domestically but also from international observers, particularly China. Her conservative platform includes proposals to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution and a history of visiting the Yasukuni shrine, a site that honors Japan’s war dead and is viewed by China as a symbol of past militarism. Earlier this year, she visited Taiwan, suggesting the formation of a “quasi-security alliance” among Taiwan, Japan, and other partners, further heightening interest in her political direction.

As the LDP prepares for the upcoming leadership election, the political dynamics within Japan continue to shift, reflecting broader concerns over economic stability and international relations. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for both domestic policy and Japan’s standing on the global stage.