Ishiba wins!

An unusual result for an unusual election

Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba takes a seat in the Liberal Democratic Party president's office in Tokyo after being elected to the post on Friday. Wires

by GABRIELE NINIVAGGI
September 27, 2024

In his latest book, published before he formalized his intention to run for the party leadership for the fifth time, newly elected Liberal Democratic Party President Shigeru Ishiba made a small reference to what he called the “Mandate of Heaven.”

“If someone like me were to become prime minister, it would likely be at a time when Japan or the LDP is facing a major impasse. That decision will be made by heaven. Without divine will, such a thing would never happen,” he wrote.

Those words sound even more poignant now that Ishiba has finally achieved his long-cherished ambition to steer the party — and soon, the country. Friday’s result suggests that LDP members think Ishiba will be able to steer the party clear of troubled waters.