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Fumio Kishida

Fumio Kishida was elected as Japan’s 100th Prime Minister on October 4 after winning a majority of votes in both houses of parliament. He succeeded Yoshihide Suga who resigned after just one year in office due to declining support ratings over his handling of the pandemic.

Born

29 Jul 1957

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Prime Minister of Japan

Fumio Kishida

Japan’s Takaichi tipped for snap election gamble as poll ratings soar

The Japanese prime minister has won plaudits at home over her tough stance towards China, but inflation remains a major voter concern.

Steppe in the right direction? ‘Japan is back’ in Central Asia with new summit

Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | Why are tensions between China and Japan running so high now?

Diplomatic row could be seen as culmination of complex history, coupled with recent statements and deeds that both sides view with wariness.

Warning or routine? Timing of Russian jet fly-past into Japan raises questions

Sanae Takaichi is unlikely to push to improve ties with Moscow, virtually frozen under previous prime ministers, experts say.

China gives Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi the cold shoulder

Beijing has yet to congratulate Takaichi, who holds controversial positions on Taiwan and Japanese wartime history.

‘Weirdest alliance’: Japan’s new ruling coalition tipped for collapse

The Innovation Party’s backing looks set to make Sanae Takaichi Japan’s first female PM, but analysts don’t expect their alliance to last.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Macroscope | Japan’s political turmoil will weigh heavily on its economy, and beyond

More than just who heads the government, the fate of Japan’s leadership race has implications for markets, regional economies and geopolitics.

‘Too many elections’? Japan faces another chapter of unsteady leadership

Factional politics stand in the way of a new prime minister’s bid for longevity in office, analysts warn.

Can Japan shake up the UN Security Council? Ishiba to make last-ditch appeal

As the prime minister prepares to leave office, he says he will use his last appearance before the UN to reiterate Japan’s calls for reform.

Japan’s AI policing tool to monitor social media sparks ‘dystopia’ warnings

The pilot project will use AI to analyse online activity and flag people deemed potential threats, but critics warn it may be an overreach.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigns after election defeat

Shigeru’s departure will fuel political uncertainty over the coming weeks until the Liberal Democrat Party chooses a successor.

Why Japan is pushing a transparent development model for Africa

Japan’s initiative could provide African nations with an alternative and counter China’s growing influence on the continent, analysts say.

My Take | Why Japan’s support for Ukraine boosts Nato’s plan for Tokyo office

While Tokyo pledges to contribute to Ukraine’s security, Nato is somewhat wavering on its office plan, fearing that it will antagonise China.

Japan’s ruling LDP tips into crisis mode with PM’s expected exit

As rumours swirl of Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation, a leadership contest now looms that risks tearing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party apart.

Nato shelves Tokyo office plan. Is China too powerful to provoke?

Analysts say the decision could be a missed opportunity to formalise Japan’s role as a trusted partner in global security.

Japan police gear up to tackle ‘lone wolf’ attacks ahead of Tokyo election

Security has been tightened since former prime minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot during a stump speech in 2022.

Philippines confirms US funding for railway project amid foreign aid freeze

Move indicates Washington’s intent to deepen economic cooperation and is ‘good signalling’ for bilateral ties, analysts say.

Why Japan’s PM Ishiba is becoming unpopular with a ‘very disappointed’ public

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is struggling in opinion polls as voters fret about rising prices, stagnant wages and tense regional security.

‘Extremely unfortunate’: Japan’s snub of nuclear ban summit sparks criticism

Activists argue that Japan is missing a crucial opportunity to champion disarmament, especially as the only nation to have experienced nuclear attacks.

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Kishida attacker jailed for 10 years

Japan jails pipe-bomb attacker for trying to murder ex-PM Fumio Kishida

Ryuji Kimura, 25, was found guilty on Wednesday of attempted murder in the April 15, 2023 attack.

NHK’s AI gaffe reignites Diaoyu Islands dispute amid Chinese coastguard intrusion

The Japanese broadcaster was criticised for using AI-generated subtitles that referred to disputed islands as Diaoyu Islands – Beijing’s name for the Tokyo-controlled islets.

Jill Biden’s US$20,000 diamond is priciest gift from a foreign leader in 2023

The 7.5 carat diamond was from India’s President Modi. Among Joe Biden’s gifts was a US$3,495 statue from Mongolia’s prime minister.

Editorial | Trump a good reason for China, Japan thaw

Crisis of trust between two countries with fragile economies has to be overcome for both their sakes.

Wang Yi’s talks with Japanese official suggest a Xi-Ishiba meeting lies ahead

Foreign ministry says both sides agree to leaders’ dialogue as Japanese media report plans for Japan’s new prime minister to meet Xi Jinping.

Macroscope | Japan’s election results could have global ramifications

Tokyo’s power vacuum, and questions over Japan’s policies and its relationship with the US under Harris or Trump, could have deeper economic impacts.

Japan’s ruling coalition loses majority, election outcome in balance

The LDP, which has ruled Japan for almost all of its post-war history, and junior coalition partner Komeito won just 215 seats.

Explainer | Why are tensions between China and Japan running so high now?

Macroscope | Japan’s political turmoil will weigh heavily on its economy, and beyond

Video | Kishida attacker jailed for 10 years