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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.
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.
The Prime Minister's original itinerary had included visits to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, where he was set to engage in crucial diplomatic discussions and participate in a high-level summit with leaders from five Central Asian countries. The trip, planned from Friday to Monday, was intended to strengthen Japan's diplomatic ties and economic cooperation with these nations. However, the recent seismic event has shifted Kishida's priorities toward ensuring Japan's preparedness and response in the wake of the natural disaster.
Kishida reassured the public that the government is committed to closely monitoring market developments. “We will maintain a vigilant watch over the stock market and ensure that our financial policies are effectively implemented,” he affirmed. This proactive stance is intended to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations on the broader economy and prevent any potential adverse effects on economic stability.
The conversation between Kishida and Pezeshkian also delved into the sensitive issue of Iran's nuclear activities. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of ongoing communication to navigate and potentially resolve the complex challenges surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
As the global geopolitical landscape undergoes significant shifts, Japan finds itself recalibrating its diplomatic strategy, particularly in its relations with Russia. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has compelled Tokyo to reevaluate its stance, prompting a nuanced and multifaceted diplomatic reset.