Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his resignation, thereby ending his time as Japan’s leader. He has chosen not to seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) next month. This decision comes after an array of political scandals, including a slush fund incident, and growing public displeasure with rising living costs during his three-year tenure.
Kishida’s resignation comes at a time when his approval rating has fallen to about 25%. His retirement is viewed as a move toward restoring public faith in the LDP ahead of a national election in 2025. In September, the party will hold a leadership election to determine his successor. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Digital Minister Taro Kono, and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are also potential possibilities.
During Kishida’s term, Japan had its largest military buildup since World War II, a shift away from pacific policies, and measures to solve economic issues. However, his team battled with scandals and popular dissatisfaction with economic concerns, prompting his departure. The future leader faces the challenge of regaining public trust, addressing Japan’s financial difficulties, and navigating complex geopolitical situations.
Beyond the political problems, Kishida’s government faced growing public dissatisfaction with economic issues. Japan, like many other countries, has been dealing with growing living expenditures that have exceeded wage increases. This economic downturn has made many Japanese residents feel the squeeze, reducing support for the government. Kishida’s economic policies, which aimed to increase household incomes through salary increases and promote share ownership, failed to provide the anticipated outcomes, leaving many disappointed with the pace of economic recovery.
Kishida’s time as Japan’s prime minister will be remembered for both its challenges and successes. He guided the country through the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, installing major spending on stimulus to boost the economy. He also took a major step toward changing Japan’s historically pacifist posture, launching the country’s greatest military buildup since World War II to face mounting threats from neighboring China and North Korea.
