Why did Japan’s prime minister decide to step down? And who might replace him?

Why did Japan’s prime minister decide to step down? And who might replace him?

By Craig Mark, Hosei University In a surprise announcement, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said today he would step down as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) next month, bringing his premiership to an early end. Since coming to office in October 2021, Kishida has struggled to overcome dire approval ratings. The party has been dogged by revelations of ties to the Korean-based Unification Church […]

August 15, 2024 16

World

Kishida to step down as Japanese PM

Fumio Kishida has announced he will step down as Japan's prime minister next month.He's been in the post for three years but recent polling shows his support has fallen to historic lows at around 15 percent. From East Asia, here's our correspondent William Denselow reporting.

August 14, 2024 14

World

Kishida’s future in question as normal Diet session concludes

The pressure is on Japan’s prime minister to remain in power as the country’s parliament wraps up on Thursday. The Diet is concluding a 150 day sitting session with Fumio Kishida staring down the barrel of a leadership renewal before October. Chris Gilbert has more from Tokyo.

June 21, 2024 11

World

Is Japan joining AUKUS? Not formally – its cooperation will remain limited for now

By John Blaxland, Australian National University With Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visiting Washington this week, rumours have circulated that Japan might soon join the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has downplayed the suggestion, indicating this is not something that will happen soon. He added any cooperation would, for now, be on a project-by-project basis. […]

April 11, 2024 22

World

S Korea president urging cooperation over forced labour compensation

South Korea’s president is urging businesses in the country to co-operate with companies in Japan in paying damages to the victims of historical cases of forced labour. It comes after Korea’s top court in December upheld decisions ordering Japanese companies to compensate the families of victims who worked without pay under Japan’s colonial rule. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

February 8, 2024 13

World

Japan’s Kishida faces daunting 2024 as Diet reconvenes

Japan’s parliament is reconvening on Friday with the prime minister facing a leadership challenge in the coming months. Fumio Kishida is beginning the political year with record low approval and turmoil inside the ruling party. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

January 26, 2024 11