Naruhito
88-395: [REDACTED] Fumihito [REDACTED] Shigeru Ishiba ( LDP ) Second Ishiba Cabinet ( LDP – Komeito coalition ) [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Fukushiro Nukaga Kōichirō Genba [REDACTED] Masakazu Sekiguchi Hiroyuki Nagahama Saburo Tokura Kazuo Ueda The Cabinet of Japan ( Japanese : 内閣 , Hepburn : Naikaku )
176-566: A Liberal Democratic – Komeito coalition cabinet ( minority government ) since 2024 . The prime minister is nominated by the National Diet, while the remaining ministers are appointed and dismissed by the prime minister. The Cabinet is collectively responsible to the National Diet and must resign if a motion of no confidence is adopted by the National Diet. Under the Constitution of Japan , Cabinet ministers are appointed after
264-626: A ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia. The prince and princess visited Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania in May 2009 on the occasion of "Japan-Danube Friendship Year 2009" and the Netherlands in August 2009 for the commemorative event of the 400th anniversary of the trade relations between Japan and
352-566: A large collection of military-related plastic models, some of which are displayed at his office in the Diet. He is also a fan of the 1970s idol group Candies , is known to ride on sleeper trains to Tottori Prefecture as part of his interest in railways, and regards novelists Soseki Natsume and Ogai Mori as two of his favorite authors. Ishiba is also known as an avid reader, wherein he is noted to read three books daily, and stated that he "prefers reading more than mingle with his party collegues". He
440-573: A newly created office of Minister for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy. He was reported to have declined the offer of a cabinet post responsible for the government's upcoming security legislation. In spite of having been a vocal critic of factionalism in the LDP, Ishiba launched his own faction, the Suigetsukai, on 28 September 2015, with the aim of succeeding sitting prime minister, Shinzo Abe. With 19 members, excluding Ishiba, it
528-519: A path of peaceful development, abide by the principles and common understandings established in the four political documents between the two sides [China and Japan], have an objective and right perception of China, take active and rational China policy, take concrete efforts to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and work with China to promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations ." While campaigning, Ishiba stated that Japan's alliance with
616-612: A pragmatic evaluation of the Chinese threat. Ishiba has criticized Kishida 's use of the phrase "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow". In 2024, he stated that the reason the US did not defend Ukraine is that Ukraine is not part of a collective self-defense system like NATO . Ishiba argued that the war transformed the global security environment and with the absence of such a collective self-defense system in Asia, wars are likely to break out in
704-507: A selective dual surname system, which would allow married couples the option to retain their respective surnames. Ishiba has stated that this change should be subject to further discussion within the LDP to reach a consensus. Ishiba has expressed his support for same-sex marriage in Japan in his book, Conservative Politician (2024). However after becoming prime minister, Ishiba stated he would take relevant court rulings into consideration since
792-436: A short amount of time ... It's a tacit nuclear deterrent." In 2017, Ishiba reiterated: "Japan should have the technology to build a nuclear weapon if it wants to do so." In 2024, Ishiba said the region should consider introducing nuclear weapons if it wants an Asian version of NATO. Ishiba met his wife Yoshiko Nakamura when they were both students at Keio University . They got married in 1983 and have two daughters. Ishiba
880-547: A snap general election , where the ruling LDP coalition lost its majority for the first time since 2009 and suffering its second-worst result in party history. Ishiba has developed a reputation as a political maverick due to his willingness to criticize his party, as well as his relatively liberal stances on social issues; he supported a motion of no-confidence against the Miyazawa Cabinet in 1993 and criticized Abe throughout his second premiership, despite serving in
968-491: A total of 221 votes from both the first and second rounds, defeating Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan , who secured only 160 votes, following a second round runoff vote. Hours before the Diet assembled, Ishiba's first cabinet resigned, thus resulting in him making an effort to launch a second cabinet. However, it was agreed that his cabinet would mostly remain
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#17327652549981056-672: Is Fumihito. His mother, Empress Emerita Michiko , is a convert to Shinto from Roman Catholicism . His childhood appellation was Prince Aya (礼宮 Aya-no-miya). He attended the primary and secondary schools of the Gakushūin . He played tennis in primary and secondary schools of the Gakushūin. In April 1984, the prince entered the Law Department of Gakushuin University , where he studied law and biological science. After graduating from
1144-677: Is a Christian , specifically a Protestant . He was baptised at the age of 18 in the Tottori Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan . In recent years he has attended the Evangelical CBMC 's National Prayer Breakfast. He also visits the Buddhist graves of his ancestors and worships at a Shinto shrine. Ishiba is known as an " otaku " with a very high interest in the military, vehicles, and trains, and keeps
1232-601: Is a Japanese politician serving as prime minister of Japan and president of the Liberal Democratic Party ( LDP ) since 2024. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1986 and has served as Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2008 and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2008 to 2009, as well as being the Secretary-General of the LDP from 2012 to 2014. Ishiba
1320-592: Is also the head of an intraparty ramen society that was established to promote the dish. Ishiba made headlines when he allowed a Japan Self-Defense Forces vehicle to be displayed at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, a trade fair for plastic and radio-controlled models. During the visit of former United States Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker in 2002, Ishiba presented a plastic model of the Lockheed P-3 Orion in their meeting at his office. When
1408-492: Is an Honorary Fellow. Prior to Fumihito's birth, the announcement about the then-Crown Prince Akihito's engagement and marriage to the then-Ms. Michiko Shōda had drawn opposition from traditionalist groups, because Shōda came from a Roman Catholic family. Although Shōda was never baptized, she was educated in Catholic schools and seemed to share the faith of her parents. Rumors also speculated that Empress Kōjun had opposed
1496-507: Is an undeniable fact that my remarks have hurt relevant parties, and I sincerely apologize. I will have to reflect (on my actions) and caution myself against repeating such an act." As a representative for a rural district in Tottori Prefecture (with the smallest population among the forty-seven prefectures) and former "Minister in charge of Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy", Ishiba regularly emphasized
1584-517: Is known as a gunji otaku (military geek) and has a keen interest in military matters. He is known for having a lot of expertise related to weapons systems, legal issues about defense, and is also fond of building and painting models of aircraft and ships. Ishiba has repeatedly stated that he believes that Japan needs its own equivalent of the United States Marine Corps to be able to defend its many small islands. In 2010 when he
1672-521: Is the chief executive body of the government of Japan . It consists of the prime minister , who is appointed by the Emperor after being nominated by the National Diet , in addition to up to nineteen other members, called ministers of state . The current cabinet is Second Ishiba Cabinet , which was formed on 11 November 2024, is led by the prime minister Shigeru Ishiba . The country has had
1760-493: The 2021 election which was won by Fumio Kishida . After Kishida announced that he would step down in 2024, Ishiba ran for the fifth and final time in the LDP presidential election where he defeated Sanae Takaichi in a second round run-off, becoming the new party leader and prime minister–designate , and was formally elected Prime Minister by the National Diet on 1 October 2024. As prime minister, Ishiba almost immediately announced
1848-467: The 2021 Liberal Democratic Party leadership election , instead endorsing Taro Kono . Then-LDP leader and prime minister Fumio Kishida announced on 14 August 2024, that he would not seek re-election as LDP leader in the leadership election in September , effectively resigning as prime minister, following record-low approval ratings from an ongoing slush fund scandal and previous controversies with
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#17327652549981936-476: The 2023–2024 Japanese slush fund scandal . On 9 October, Ishiba dissolved the House of Representatives in preparation for the general election on 27 October. On the same day, the LDP decided to pull its endorsement of 12 politicians implicated in the slush fund scandal, and would not allow them to be elected via proportional representation should they lose in their single seat constituencies. Ishiba indicated that
2024-480: The COVID-19 pandemic . His accession as crown prince took place privately. On 8 November 2020, Fumihito was formally declared first in line to the chrysanthemum throne. During the ceremony he said "I will carry out my duties by deeply acknowledging my responsibilities as crown prince". His older brother during his time as Crown Prince carried the title Kōtaishi (Crown Prince, 皇太子 lit. "Great Imperial Son"), and
2112-605: The December 2012 general election in which the LDP returned to government. Ishiba attracted considerable criticism for his statement in November 2013 that likened peaceful public protests against the new secrecy bill being introduced by his government to "acts of terrorism". He later withdrew the comment. In the September 2014 cabinet reshuffle , Abe moved Ishiba from his position as LDP Secretary-General and appointed him to
2200-542: The Japan Self-Defense Forces in response to an appearance by Godzilla . Following Fukuda's resignation, Ishiba stood as a candidate for the LDP presidency. In the leadership election , held on 22 September 2008, Tarō Asō won with 351 of the 527 votes; Ishiba placed fifth and last with 25 votes. In Asō Cabinet , appointed on 24 September 2008, Ishiba was named as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries . He called for Asō to resign after
2288-706: The Mitsui Bank . His father died in 1981. Former prime minister Kakuei Tanaka , who was a friend of his father, served as chairman of the funeral committee. Tanaka encouraged Ishiba to become a politician to carry on his father's legacy. Ishiba left the bank in 1983 and began working in the secretariat of the Thursday Club, Kakuei Tanaka's faction of the Liberal Democratic Party . In the July 1986 election Ishiba ran as an LDP candidate in
2376-1080: The Philippines , India , France , Germany , the United Kingdom , and South Korea in order to form this "Asian NATO". He said that one of the policy's main goals is to protect Japan and that "the security environment surrounding us is the toughest since the end of World War II." This proposed security alliance was quickly dismissed by Daniel Kritenbrink , the United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs . Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also does not agree with Ishiba's idea for an Asian NATO as it does not fit with India's strategic goals. In response to Ishiba's comments regarding an Asian version of NATO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China spokesperson Lin Jian stated that "China hopes that Japan will learn from history, follow
2464-464: The deterrence capabilities of the Japan-US alliance. On his first call as prime minister with President Joe Biden , Ishiba said that he wants to further strengthen the U.S.–Japan Alliance. However, he did not mention his desire to make changes to the bilateral forces agreement that would be required in order to make the alliance more symmetrical. He said that he would find the chance to raise
2552-413: The problems between Japan and South Korea is Japan's failure to face up to its wartime responsibility. Ishiba has criticised Japan and its government during World War II, stating that "The government concluded that Japan was doomed to lose a war, yet entered it anyway. They should be held accountable for that", and similarly saying that "I cannot understand why their actions that led to the defeat of
2640-466: The Allies after World War II . However, once Fumihito and Kiko had their son Hisahito in September 2006 he became next in the line of succession following his father. Fumihito's niece and Emperor Naruhito's only child, Princess Aiko , remains at present legally ineligible to inherit the throne, while debate about the possibility of having future empresses regnant continues. As active working members of
2728-626: The Cabinet. Contrary to the practice in many constitutional monarchies , the Emperor is not even the nominal chief executive. Instead, the Constitution explicitly vests executive authority in the Cabinet. Hence, nearly all of the day-to-day work of governing is done by the Cabinet. In practice, much of the Cabinet's authority is exercised by the prime minister. Under the Constitution, the prime minister exercises "control and supervision" over
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2816-471: The Constitution, Ministers of State are not subject to legal action without the consent of the prime minister during their tenure of office. The current cabinet, led by the newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba , and succeeded the First Ishiba Cabinet . Ishiba is currently in the process of forming his cabinet, following the 2024 General Election . As of 11 November 2024,
2904-746: The Defense Agency under the premiership of Junichiro Koizumi , Minister of Defense under the premiership of Yasuo Fukuda and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the premiership of Tarō Asō . Ishiba became a key figure within the LDP, running for party leadership multiple times. First in 2008 where he placed fifth, and notably against Shinzo Abe in the 2012 and 2018 elections . Despite his criticisms of LDP factionalism , he established his own faction, Suigetsukai , in 2015, aiming for leadership. After Abe's second resignation, Ishiba ran in 2020 but placed third behind Yoshihide Suga . Ishiba declined to run and endorsed Taro Kono in
2992-480: The Diet, drew criticism from opposition parties as it did not allow time for a debate at a budget committee meeting prior to the House's dissolution. Despite this resistance, the Lower House voted in favor of closing the extraordinary Diet session on 9 October. Ishiba was elected by the National Diet and appointed as Prime Minister by Emperor Naruhito at Tokyo Imperial Palace on 1 October 2024, becoming
3080-612: The Japan-Netherlands Association. The prince and princess have made numerous official visits to foreign countries. In June 2002, they became the first members of the Imperial Family to visit Mongolia , in celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In October 2002, they visited the Netherlands to attend the funeral of Prince Claus of the Netherlands . In September 2003, they made goodwill visits to Fiji , Tonga and Samoa , again,
3168-751: The LDP in 1993, for the Japan Renewal Party . When the Japan Renewal Party merged with several other parties Ishiba became part of the New Frontier Party , but he was disillusioned by the constant struggles between Ozawa and non-Ozawa factions in the party and left in 1996. He rejoined the LDP the following year. Ishiba was reappointed parliamentary vice minister of Agriculture under the Mori Cabinet in July 2000 but
3256-483: The LDP presidential election, the new party officials under Ishiba were inaugurated. Ishiba appointed former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vice president of the party, while the outgoing Vice President Tarō Asō was made chief advisor, and Hiroshi Moriyama became secretary general. Shun'ichi Suzuki was made chairman of the General Council after Takaichi declined the post. Itsunori Onodera was made chairman of
3344-492: The LDP's affiliation with the Unification Church . Ishiba, alongside Sanae Takaichi and Shinjirō Koizumi emerged as the front runners to succeed him. In the leadership election on 27 September 2024, Ishiba narrowly defeated Takaichi in a second-round runoff, winning a total of 215 votes (52.57%) from 189 parliamentary members and 26 prefectural chapters, making him the new LDP leader and prime minister–designate ;
3432-495: The LDP's defeat in the 2009 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election . Ishiba retained his seat in the 2009 House of Representatives election , otherwise a crushing defeat for the LDP. After Sadakazu Tanigaki was elected to replace Asō as party president , Ishiba was appointed chairman of the Policy Research Council, one of the top positions in the party. Ishiba was thus one of the most prominent LDP figures when
3520-766: The Netherlands. They have also visited Costa Rica, Uganda, Croatia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Peru, and Argentina. In addition, Fumihito carried out public duties on behalf of the Emperor when he was hospitalized. He and other members of the imperial family visited the affected areas after the Great East Japan earthquake in March 2011. From June to July 2014, Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko visited Republic of Zambia and United Republic of Tanzania. In accordance with legislation passed allowing his father's abdication , he became heir presumptive to
3608-569: The People's Republic of China. When the Emperor Emeritus was then Crown Prince, he introduced tilapia to Thailand as an important source of protein. Tilapia can be easily cultured and Prince Fumihito, who is also known as a "catfish specialist," has managed to maintain and expand the aquacultural studies with the people of Thailand. The prince has worked as a researcher at The University Museum of The University of Tokyo where he also
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3696-491: The Policy Research Council and Shinjiro Koizumi chairman of the Election Strategy Committee. The appointments were seen as emphasizing stability in the party. On 30 September, Ishiba announced his plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on 9 October and called for snap general election to be held on 27 October 2024. This decision, which was announced before he was elected Prime Minister by
3784-746: The Prince adhere to tradition and not get married before his elder brother. Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino have two daughters and one son: Fumihito serves as the president of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology and the Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquariums. He is also the honorary president of the World Wide Fund for Nature Japan , the Japan Tennis Association , and
3872-542: The Tottori at-large district and was elected to the House of Representatives. At the age of 29, he was the youngest member of the House at the time. As a junior Diet member, Ishiba specialised in agricultural policy, but the Gulf War in 1990 and a 1992 visit to North Korea spurred his interest in defense policy. He served as parliamentary vice minister of agriculture under the Miyazawa Cabinet , before defecting from
3960-549: The Trials were invalid due to the retroactively applying law argue that there were no mistakes in pre-war Japan at all. He argued there was both wrong and right in the pre-war era. Regarding the Nanjing Massacre , Ishiba said: "At the very least, the way prisoners of war were treated was incorrect, and military discipline was broken. We must also examine the civilian casualties which happened." He has refrained from using
4048-650: The US , which he referred to as asymmetrical, should be re-balanced and called for greater Japanese oversight of American military bases in Japan . He said Japan should use the Special Relationship between the US and UK as a model for creating an alliance with the US as equal partners. To become an equal partner, he said Japan must have its own military strategy and a "security system that can protect its own nation by itself". He also suggested that Japan Self-Defense Forces could be placed in Guam to strengthen
4136-406: The age of 29. As a Diet member, Ishiba specialized in agricultural policy and defense policy. He served as parliamentary vice minister of agriculture under the premiership of Kiichi Miyazawa but left the LDP in 1993 to join the Japan Renewal Party . After transitioning through several parties and returning to the LDP in 1997, Ishiba held various prominent positions, including Director-General of
4224-429: The appointment of a new prime minister. While they are in office, legal action may not be taken against Cabinet ministers without the consent of the prime minister. The Cabinet must resign en masse in the following circumstances: The Cabinet exercises two kinds of power. Some of its powers are nominally exercised by the Emperor with the binding "advice and approval" of the Cabinet. Other powers are explicitly vested in
4312-578: The country , without giving accurate answers to Emperor Shōwa 's questions and without informing the public of the truth, are being left unquestioned as 'we are all heroes once we die.'" He said of the Tokyo Trials that, regardless of the issues in retroactively applying law, Japan is what it is because they "accepted the trials". He further stated that the Tokyo Trials did not condemn everything in pre-war Japan as wrong, and that those who argue
4400-632: The country's constitution regulated marriages. In a 2004 speech to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF), Ishiba, then Director General of the Japan Defense Agency , said that the SDF "has sometimes been made fun of as the ' autistic forces.' It's the autistic forces as in autistic children." The remark was apparently intended as a pun , as the word he used for "autistic forces" (自閉隊, Jihei-tai ) sounds similar to
4488-775: The death of his grandfather, Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), on 7 January 1989, the prince became second-in-line to the throne after his elder brother, Crown Prince Naruhito . The prince received a PhD degree in ornithology from the Graduate University for Advanced Studies in October 1996. His doctoral dissertation was titled, "Molecular Phylogeny of Jungle Fowls, genus Gallus and Monophyletic Origin of Domestic Fowls ". He conducted field research in Indonesia in 1993 and 1994, and in Yunnan Province in
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#17327652549984576-438: The economic policies under Kishida's premiership to steer Japan out of years of deflation. He has called for a more "fair" tax system and seeks to increase taxes such as the capital gains tax . He believes the economy can only improve if consumption increases and stated his commitment to raising the minimum wage to 1,500 yen per hour by the end of the decade. During the 2013 North Korean crisis , Ishiba stated that Japan had
4664-402: The election results. Commentators noted that his decision for the snap election election may jeopardize his leadership, as rising inflation and a funding scandal threaten his LDP's majority, prompting potential alliances with smaller parties amid growing economic concerns. On 11 November, Ishiba was reelected as prime minister of a minority government during a session of the Diet, after winning
4752-489: The election was dubbed "Ishibamania" by the foreign media. Ishiba's victory was described by commentators as unexpected and an upset, owing to his long history of failed leadership bids and his relative unpopularity with many LDP members of the National Diet. After his election, the Japanese stock market experienced a sudden drop in response to Ishiba's economic policies, which was named "Ishiba Shock". Three days after
4840-608: The emperor emeritus, the prince married outside the former aristocracy and former collateral branches of the imperial family. Upon marriage, he received the title Prince Akishino (Akishino-no-miya – strictly "Prince Akishino") and authorization from the Imperial Household Economy Council to form a new branch of the Imperial Family. The marriage was bitterly resented by officials at the Imperial Household Agency , who had desired that
4928-590: The engagement. After the death of Fumihito's paternal grandmother Empress Kōjun in 2000, Reuters reported that she was one of the strongest opponents of her son's marriage, and that in the 1960s, she had driven her daughter-in-law and grandchildren to depression by persistently accusing her of not being suitable for her son. On 29 June 1990, Fumihito married Kiko Kawashima , the daughter of Tatsuhiko Kawashima (professor of economics at Gakushuin University ) and his wife, Kazuyo. The couple met when they were both undergraduates at Gakushuin University. Like his father,
5016-491: The executive branch, and no law or Cabinet order can take effect without the prime minister's countersignature (and the emperor's promulgation). While Cabinet Ministers in most other parliamentary democracies theoretically have some freedom of action (within the limits of cabinet collective responsibility ), the Japanese Cabinet is effectively an extension of the prime minister's authority. According to Article 75 of
5104-511: The first official overseas visit by the imperial family following the accession of Emperor Naruhito. They visited Poland and Finland to participate in the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relationship between Japan and the two countries. In August 2019, the couple and their son, Hisahito, arrived in Bhutan for a visit. The public proclamation of Fumihito as crown prince did not take place on 19 April 2020 due to
5192-484: The first time ever members of the Imperial Family had visited these countries. In March 2004, the prince and princess returned to the Netherlands for the funeral of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands . In January 2005, they visited Luxembourg to attend the funeral of Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte . From October to November 2006, they visited Paraguay to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japanese emigration to that country. In January 2008, they visited Indonesia for
5280-597: The governments of both prime ministers. Ishiba was born on 4 February 1957, in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo , while his registered domicile was his father's hometown in the Yazu District of Tottori Prefecture . His father Jirō Ishiba was a government official then serving as Vice Minister of Construction . His mother was a teacher and a granddaughter of the Christian minister Michitomo Kanamori . Jirō Ishiba
5368-399: The imperial family, Fumihito and his wife Kiko's schedule includes attending summits , and organizational and global event meetings. The couple has particularly represented the Japanese imperial house in ceremonies involving heads of state and VIPs abroad. The prince was born on 30 November 1965 at 12:22 am in the Imperial Household Agency Hospital, Tokyo Imperial Palace . His given name
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#17327652549985456-452: The issue with Biden in the future. Following his victory in the 2024 LDP presidential election , some South Korean media outlets have described Ishiba as a " dove " in regards to his perception of Japan's accountability in World War II. For example, in 2019 when South Korea decided to terminate the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) during the Japan–South Korea trade dispute , Ishiba stated that root of many of
5544-426: The legality of the invasion and paved the way for the first overseas deployment of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces without UN mandate, sending troops to Iraq in January 2004 to assist with reconstruction efforts. He left cabinet in September 2004. Ishiba was appointed as the Minister of Defense in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on 26 September 2007, serving in that post until 1 August 2008. Ishiba
5632-441: The makeup of the current Cabinet is as follows: Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan The Emperor The Empress The Emperor Emeritus The Empress Emerita Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino ( 秋篠宮皇嗣文仁親王 , Akishino-no-miya Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō , born 30 November 1965, Japanese: [ɸɯmiꜜçi̥to] ) is the heir presumptive to the Japanese throne . He is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito , and
5720-544: The nation for rejecting responsibility for World War II and Japanese colonisation . Specifically as it comes to Yasukuni, he has argued there is no need for active politicians to visit the shrine, citing that it is the Emperor's responsibility to visit the dead. He has said that it is particularly inappropriate for a prime minister to visit the Yasukuni Shrine due to concerns from China and South Korea. He has criticized visits by politicians as not essential to creating an environment where laws can be passed. Ishiba has not visited
5808-399: The need to address socioeconomic inequality between Japan's urban centers and rural areas, the latter of which faces population decline, aging demographics, and economic stagnation. On election night, Ishiba called on the LDP to propose a supplementary budget for the 2024 fiscal year, aimed at financing a stimulus package to help rural areas cope with rising costs. Ishiba intends to maintain
5896-432: The party was in opposition. He was removed when Tanigaki reshuffled the party leadership in September 2011. In September 2012, while the LDP was still in opposition, Ishiba again stood for the presidency of the LDP and was narrowly defeated by former prime minister Shinzo Abe . He accepted the position of secretary-general on 27 September 2012. Ishiba was re-appointed to the position under Abe's second premiership after
5984-474: The party would resume support for the politicians if they win reelection. Other politicians who have been disciplined by the party over the slush fund scandal would also not be allowed to run on the LDP's proportional representation list. Despite these measures, LDP still faced its most serious defeat since the 2009 election , with 67 seats lost and therefore its majority in the Diet. On the next day, Ishiba expressed his intention to remain as Prime Minister despite
6072-467: The region as there is no obligation for mutual defense. He therefore stated that an Asian collective security alliance is necessary in order to deter China. In September 2024, Ishiba claimed that the "relative decline of U.S. might" necessitates an Asian version of NATO to counter security threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. With the US-Japan alliance at its core, Ishiba proposed strengthening alliance relationships with Australia , Canada ,
6160-436: The regional security situation as among his primary concerns, describing the former as a "quiet emergency" and the latter as at its "most severe since the end of World War II ". He also pledged to continue efforts to ensure the emergence of the Japanese economy from deflation and called for stabilization in the membership of the Imperial House of Japan amid a lack of male successors to the throne . He also expressed regret for
6248-431: The right to deliver a preemptive strike against North Korea . Ishiba is a vocal supporter of Taiwanese democracy . At the same time, he has called for stronger diplomacy and engagement with China, rather than antagonism. In his memoir written during the Russian invasion of Ukraine , Ishiba argued that equating the Russian invasion with a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan stems more from emotional reactions rather than
6336-666: The same. Ishiba's re-election would also mark the first time in 30 years that any Japanese prime minister needed a runoff vote. Ishiba has been described as a centrist , a moderate conservative , and a reformist , particularly during the 2024 Liberal Democratic Party presidential election . While he was cited as a member of the ultranationalist far-right organisation Nippon Kaigi , he has been criticized by nationalist commentators for his "traitorous acts", and for being "anti-Japan", and has pointed to Japan's failure to face its war responsibilities as underlying "many of its problems". Ishiba has expressed support for introducing
6424-486: The selection of the prime minister. A majority of the Cabinet, including the prime minister, must be members of the National Diet, and all members must be civilians . Under the Cabinet Law, the number of Cabinet ministers (excluding the prime minister) must be fourteen or less, but this may be increased to nineteen if a special need arises. If the Cabinet collectively resigns, it continues to exercise its functions until
6512-486: The shrine since he gained his first cabinet post in 2002. He instead visits his local Gokoku Shrines every 15 August. He is also an advocate of separating Class A war criminals from the shrine. He has defended the Murayama Statement , commenting after Sanae Takaichi said she felt uncomfortable with the statement in 2013 that he would like the party to "refrain from making misleading statements". Ishiba
6600-471: The throne on 30 April 2019. Once plans were announced for the impending abdication and his brother's enthronement , Fumihito suggested that instead of using public money the imperial family should pay for the religious rituals in the enthronement as the constitution separates religion and state, despite the government agreeing to foot the bill. In June–July 2019, the Crown Prince and his wife carried out
6688-463: The twenty-fifth Liberal Democratic Prime Minister. Ishiba announced key appointments ahead of the snap general election on 27 October 2024. His Cabinet included rivals from the leadership race, though Sanae Takaichi's exclusion created some internal party friction. Uniting the divided ruling party became a primary focus for Ishiba after the closely contested leadership race. In his first policy speech on 4 October, Ishiba named Japan's low birth rate and
6776-690: The university with a bachelor's degree in Political Science , he studied the taxonomy of fish at St John's College, Oxford in the United Kingdom from October 1988 to June 1990. According to British government documents released by the National Archives , Fumihito's requests to follow in his elder brother's footsteps and study in Britain were initially turned down by the Imperial Household Agency. Upon
6864-448: The word massacre to describe it. When it comes to comfort women , he has stated there was "coercion in the narrow sense", clarifying he meant forced abduction by the government and military. Regarding visits to Yasukuni Shrine by state officials and statements rejecting the wrongs of Japan during World War II, he has questioned if this is in national interest, citing incidents where countries such as South Korea have become upset at
6952-465: The word for Self-Defence Forces (自衛隊; Jiei-tai ). The comment was meant to criticize the SDF for their poor communication, which resulted in a lack of public understanding about their activities. His comment was criticized as being inappropriate and showing a lack of awareness for autistic people. Ishiba later apologized for the comparison, saying "I had read an article that had such a reference, but (my remarks) were truly inappropriate", and added: "It
7040-637: The younger son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko . Since his marriage in June 1990, he has had the title Prince Akishino ( 秋篠宮 , Akishino-no-miya ) and has headed his own branch of the imperial family. Fumihito has a bachelor's degree in political science from Gakushuin University and a PhD in ornithology from the Graduate University for Advanced Studies . In 1990, he married Kiko Kawashima , with whom he has three children: Mako , Kako , and Hisahito . In November 2020, Fumihito
7128-499: Was also referred by the Japanese press with this title until his accession to the throne. However Prince Akishino did not receive the title Kōtaishi as heir to the throne, apparently due to personal reluctance as not being raised as crown prince unlike his older brother, and chose the title Kōshi (皇嗣 lit. "Imperial Heir") instead. Shigeru Ishiba [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Shigeru Ishiba ( Japanese : 石破 茂 , Hepburn : Ishiba Shigeru , born 4 February 1957)
7216-461: Was born into a political family, with his father, Jirō Ishiba , serving as governor of Tottori Prefecture from 1958 to 1974 before later becoming the Minister for Home Affairs . After graduating from Keio University , Ishiba worked at a bank before entering politics after his father's death. Ishiba was elected to the House of Representatives in the 1986 general election as a member of the LDP at
7304-766: Was elected Governor of Tottori Prefecture in 1958, so the family moved to Tottori; Ishiba has no memory of living in Tokyo. Jirō Ishiba would serve as governor until 1974, and was later elected to the House of Councillors and served as Minister for Home Affairs in the Zenkō Suzuki Cabinet . Shigeru Ishiba grew up and attended school in Tottori Prefecture. After graduating from Tottori University Junior High School, he moved away to attend Keio Senior High School , going on to study law at Keio University in Tokyo. After graduating in 1979, he began working at
7392-523: Was officially declared heir presumptive to the throne, during the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince ( Rikkōshi-Senmei-no-gi ) in Tokyo . Preceding his investiture as Crown Prince, the ongoing Japanese imperial succession debate had resulted in some politicians holding a favorable view on rescinding agnatic primogeniture , which was implemented in 1889 and reinforced on the constitution of Japan by
7480-513: Was one member short of the 20 votes required for nomination for LDP leadership. Ishiba left cabinet in the April 2016 reshuffle , having declined the ministry of Agriculture. Ishiba challenged Abe in the 2018 LDP presidential election but was defeated again. In 2020, following Shinzo Abe's second resignation, Ishiba ran for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party , losing to Yoshihide Suga , placing third overall. Ishiba declined to run in
7568-412: Was policy chief for the LDP in opposition, and as secretary-general of the party in March 2013 after the LDP regained government. In 2011, Ishiba backed the idea of Japan maintaining the capability of building nuclear weapons . He said: "I don't think Japan needs to possess nuclear weapons, but it's important to maintain our commercial reactors because it would allow us to produce a nuclear warhead in
7656-597: Was switched to the position of deputy director general of the Defense Agency in December. He was replaced when the Koizumi Cabinet was appointed. When Koizumi reshuffled the cabinet in September 2002, Ishiba became Director General of the Defense Agency, entering the cabinet for the first time. Ishiba served as director general during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by an American-led coalition. He defended
7744-426: Was the second person in the cabinet of Fukuda to express belief in the existence of UFOs after Nobutaka Machimura . Asked on a response to a hypothetical appearance of a UFO, Ishiba said that it would be "difficult" to determine if such an incident amounted to an airspace violation, saying that a UFO was technically not an aircraft from a foreign country. In the same interview, he jokingly said that he would mobilize
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