Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s planned resignation within a year sparks uncertainty, as LDP heavyweight Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the “Trump Whisperer,” enters the succession race, intensifying Japan’s political power struggle with global implications.
WEBDESK – MediaBites: A political storm has hit Tokyo. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stunned Japan by announcing he will step down within a year, barely months into office. His abrupt decision has thrown the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) into turmoil, opening the gates for an explosive succession battle.
Ishiba, once seen as a reformer, struggled to unite party factions and deliver on promises of stability. Mounting pressure, sluggish economic performance, and fading public confidence pushed him to call time on his premiership far earlier than expected.
The spotlight now shifts to Toshimitsu Motegi, a party heavyweight and former foreign minister, who has officially declared his candidacy. Known in Washington as the “Trump Whisperer” for his role in managing ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump during tense trade talks, Motegi is emerging as a powerful contender. His entry not only electrifies the race but also signals that Japan’s foreign policy direction will be a key battleground.
The leadership contest is set to pit rival LDP factions against one another in a fight that could redefine Japan’s political course at home and abroad. With Ishiba on his way out, Japan faces yet another test of continuity, credibility, and confidence at the very top.
The countdown to Ishiba’s resignation has begun — and with Motegi in the race, the drama is only just getting started.
