Stay updated with the latest news and articles about Japan PM Kishida.
Despite Yoon’s efforts to mend ties with Japan, including resolving disputes related to forced labor during Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea, the political climate in Seoul remains tense.
According to Japan’s Kyodo News, Kishida has been considering a visit to South Korea before stepping down from his leadership role in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The visit would aim to further improve diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Kishida's planned attendance at the U.N. General Assembly in New York highlights Japan's commitment to maintaining its role in global diplomacy even as it transitions to new leadership.
Kobayashi, 49, is expected to secure the necessary recommendations from at least 20 LDP lawmakers, bolstered by support from House of Representatives members backing his bid. Despite his relatively low profile, Kobayashi has been actively building a broad base of support by engaging early with various factions within the party. He is affiliated with the faction led by former Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, though Nikai himself has announced plans to dissolve the faction, leaving Kobayashi without direct support from it.
Kishida’s visit follows a precedent set by former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who traveled to the U.S. during the September 2021 LDP leadership election but did not attend the U.N. General Assembly. Instead, Suga participated in a Quad leaders’ meeting and held separate talks with Biden, delivering his speech via prerecorded video.
In her statement, Kamikawa emphasized her readiness to deliberate thoroughly and make a decision independently. "I am prepared to carefully consider my options and take appropriate action based on my conclusions," she asserted. Her remarks suggest that she is seriously contemplating a run for the party’s top position.
The market initially surged by over 1% after reports confirmed Kishida’s decision to step down as LDP leader, with analysts predicting a minimal impact on the stock market due to Kishida's already low approval ratings.
Kishida, who also serves as LDP president, informed senior party officials of his decision through a series of phone calls before publicly declaring his withdrawal. The move reflects Kishida’s acknowledgment of the difficulty in securing a new mandate given his administration's poor performance in recent opinion polls.
At 67, Kishida’s decision to forgo re-election comes amid a backdrop of persistently low approval ratings for his Cabinet, which have languished in the low 20% range. The Kishida administration has faced criticism, particularly related to allegations of violations of the Political Funds Control Law by LDP factions, which has fueled calls within the party for new leadership.
During a press conference following an emergency meeting, Kishida emphasized the gravity of the situation, underscoring the government's commitment to managing the crisis with utmost urgency. The typhoon has unleashed record-breaking precipitation along the Pacific coast, prompting concerns about flooding, landslides, and other potential hazards.
Showing 20 of 26 articles