IRIA News

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his decision to step down next month, citing eroding public trust due to political scandals and economic challenges that have overshadowed his three-year tenure. Kishida’s resignation would also result in a leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September.

“Politics cannot function without public trust,” Kishida declared during a press conference at the prime minister’s office. “I made this heavy decision thinking of the public, with the strong will to push political reform forward.”

Declining public trust

Kishida’s resignation follows a series of damaging revelations that have plagued his administration. Initially, his approval ratings suffered after it emerged that several LDP members had undisclosed ties to the controversial Unification Church, a religious organization founded in South Korea in 1954. The group has long been scrutinized for its aggressive fundraising and recruitment tactics, which have led to multiple lawsuits and public outcry in Japan.

Furthermore, a scandal involving a slush fund composed of unrecorded political donations from LDP fundraising events came to light. This financial impropriety further dented the public’s confidence in the government’s integrity.

Beyond political scandals, Kishida’s administration struggled to address mounting economic pressures. While Japan has finally begun to shake off decades of deflation, rising living costs have not been matched by wage growth, leading to widespread public discontent. The government’s efforts to curb the declining birthrate and bolster defense capabilities have also faced criticism for lacking effectiveness and urgency.

The economic challenges were further underscored last week when the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever advisory warning of an increased risk of a megaquake along the Nankai Trough. This has heightened concerns about the nation’s disaster preparedness and the economic ramifications of potential natural disasters.

With Kishida’s announcement, the LDP will hold a presidential contest in September to elect a new leader, who will also assume the role of prime minister. “As a first step to impress on the public that the LDP has changed, I have decided not to run in the presidential race,” Kishida stated, emphasizing his desire for the party to unify under new leadership.

Several high-profile figures have already signaled their intentions to vie for the top spot. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, known for his popularity among the public and previous role as LDP secretary-general, has expressed his intention to run. Digital Minister Taro Kono, a reform-minded and social media-savvy politician, has also informed LDP Vice President Taro Aso of his candidacy, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Other potential contenders include LDP Secretary-General Toshimitu Motegi, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi.

While Kishida’s resignation has been met with some praise within the LDP, one senior lawmaker called his decision “worthy of praise”, as opposition parties remain wary. Kenta Izumi, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), cautioned, “People should not be deceived by the LDP’s strategy to make them forget the past so it can maintain its grip on power.” The CDPJ is also set to hold its leadership race in September, setting the stage for a potentially transformative period in Japanese politics.

Challenges ahead

Kishida’s tenure began in October 2021, following the resignation of his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, who faced criticism over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial successes, including hosting the 2023 Group of Seven summit in his hometown of Hiroshima and making strides in foreign policy—such as mending ties with South Korea and showing solidarity with Ukraine, Kishida’s administration could not escape the shadows of domestic scandals and economic struggles.

As he prepares to step down, Kishida remains committed to serving as a “rank-and-file” LDP lawmaker, refraining from endorsing any successor. His departure marks him as the eighth Japanese premier since 1945 to reach 1,000 days in office but also underscores the volatile nature of Japanese politics, where public trust and effective governance remain ever-critical.