Embattled Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who survived as leader after a major election loss by his governing coalition, promised Friday to work closely with the long-ignored opposition that is now the only way his minority government can stay in power.
Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito together lost a majority in the 465-seat lower house, the more powerful of Japan’s two-house parliament, in the Oct 27 elections. He needs support from opposition parties to keep his fragile government alive. The election loss was blamed on voter anger over his party’s financial misconduct, and he is trying to quickly tackle reforms.
“We will thoroughly listen to other parties and form a consensus as broadly as possible as we sincerely and humbly seek to protect the safety and security of the people,” Ishiba said Friday in his first policy speech since his reappointment as prime minister after the election.
At home, he faces tough negotiations with the opposition. The LDP coalition has long forced through its favored legislation by taking advantage of its dominance in parliament, a routine set under ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and criticized as autocratic.
Without a majority, Ishiba will struggle in coming months to gain consent from the opposition on the budget and other legislation, raising worry about a political deadlock. But experts say the situation could also lead to more public debate and transparency in the policy-making process.
Ishiba, known as a critic of the late Abe, may find that his minority government offers a chance to restore a more democratic way of deciding policies.
“I believe the way democracy should be is for each party to reflect diverse voices of the people and discuss policies sincerely and achieve better results," Ishiba said.
Ishiba's LDP has been cooperating closely with a smaller rising party, the conservative Democratic Party for the People, whose seats quadrupled to 28 in the October election under its popular leader, Yuichiro Tamaki. His proposal for raising the basic tax-free income allowance and increasing take-home wages has garnered support from low-income and younger voters. Ishiba's coalition has been negotiating toward achieving the proposals.
Ishiba said Friday he hopes to have “candid discussions” with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump when he takes office in January to further elevate the Japan-U.S. alliance as “the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomatic and security policies.” But he wants the relationship to be more equal.
He is expected to face tough demands from Trump that Tokyo pay more for the 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan under a bilateral security pact.
Ishiba said he will propose to the United States the joint use of American bases and military facilities with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. He will also seek to “resolve problems stemming from the American troop presence,” he said. Ishiba has advocated a revision to the Status of Forces Agreement that gives the United States the right to investigate accidents and crimes that occur on Japanese soil. It has been criticized by many as unequal.
He reiterated the importance of pursuing a significant buildup of Japan’s defense power to deal with growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea, while cooperating with the United States and other like-minded partners.
Ishiba also pledged to revitalize Japan’s economy, especially in suburban areas, to promote growth led by an increase in wages and investment, while building resilience to natural disasters — issues less likely to be opposed by the opposition. He recently began preparations for a long-pursued disaster ministry, planned for launch by March 2027.
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12 Comments
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Ricky Kaminski13
The policies actually sound decent, so do the pledges, he just needs to learn how to behave. It’s been a train wreck so far. APEC wasn’t a great start on the world stage at all. All we see is entitlement and arrogance.
How are the opposition taking to his olive branch I wonder? Are the daggers out or are they going to give him a shot? Is he better behind closed doors?
Will only hope he is and reserve judgement and see.
Yubaru
Give him his chance. If he is able to work together with the opposition, for the betterment of everyone, more power to him.
The Abe led LDP was run by a dictator, and a "leader" in name only.
Ishiba seems like he has leadership skills, unlike his LDP predecessors.
HopeSpringsEternal
The people want results, not one-party rule, which is inevitably corrupt. It's the same all across the world.
Give Ishiba a chance, certainly expectations are LOW!
Mark E
@Ricky, @Yubaru
As Japan ushers in Shigeru Ishiba as its new Prime Minister, the nation must grapple with the weight of his past—a legacy marked by mismanagement, questionable ethics, and public embarrassments. While Ishiba's rise may represent continuity for the LDP, his record inspires little confidence in leadership for the challenges of tomorrow.
Take, for example, Ishiba's ill-fated debut on the international stage at the APEC Summit. Footage of him seated, checking his phone, and only half-heartedly greeting world leaders such as Justin Trudeau and Anwar Ibrahim caused a firestorm of criticism. For a country renowned for its emphasis on decorum, this display was not only discourteous but an affront to Japan's reputation as a model of hospitality and manners. His demeanor at the event, including watching cultural performances with arms crossed, left the impression of a disengaged and tone-deaf statesman—a poor reflection of Japan on the global stage
(ref: Japan Today, Manila Standard)
Closer to home, Ishiba’s years as an LDP stalwart are riddled with fiscal irresponsibility, including the now-infamous "massage chair scandal." While serving in public office, Ishiba saw fit to acquire two luxury massage chairs for his workspace using taxpayer funds, sparking outrage over the misuse of public money. Such extravagances are emblematic of an entrenched political class more focused on personal comfort than the needs of the Japanese people.
The LDP, under Ishiba’s leadership, must confront not only his track record but the broader implications of a stagnant political system that allows figures with histories of waste and inefficacy to helm the nation. Ishiba’s ascent to the Prime Minister's office is a culmination of decades of party loyalty rather than evidence of vision or competence.
As Japan faces economic headwinds, demographic challenges, and an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, it is imperative that its leaders embody the values of responsibility, respect, and innovation. Ishiba, with his embarrassing APEC missteps and fiscal indiscretions, has yet to prove he can rise to the occasion. His premiership should be met with scrutiny, not blind optimism.
HopeSpringsEternal
Past is not necessarily prologue, Mark, just maybe Ishiba can rise to the occasion. Not having a majority could be just the pressure that's needed to find real solutions!
deanzaZZR
What gives you this impression?
Pukey2
I doubt he'll last 6 months. And I'm being generous.
fxgai
The entire government is a disaster
kurisupisu
That makes a change from the usual non cooperative stance then…
BigP
Dead man walking!
deanzaZZR
Ishiba is a slightly more cuddly version of Aso. A few more gaffs and he will be shown the door.
sakurasuki
They have long ignored until it can't be ignored anymore.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/japans-opposition-parties-set-to-gain-more-seats-in-parliament-survey/3364958