Shigeru Ishiba: Japan’s Former Defense Minister Announces Candidacy for Prime Minister

Who is Shigeru Ishiba?

Shigeru Ishiba is a Japanese politician who has served as Minister of Defense, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs. He is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is considered to be a potential candidate for Prime Minister of Japan.

Ishiba was born in 1957 in Matsue, Shimane. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in law. After graduating from university, Ishiba worked as a journalist for the Sankei Shimbun newspaper. He entered politics in 1986 when he was elected to the House of Representatives of Japan.

Ishiba's Political Career

Ishiba has held a number of ministerial positions in the Japanese government. He was Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2014. He was Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2009 to 2010 and Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs from 2010 to 2011.

Ishiba is a member of the LDP's conservative wing. He is a strong supporter of the US-Japan alliance and has advocated for a stronger military for Japan. Ishiba is also a critic of China and has called for Japan to take a more assertive stance against China's territorial claims in the East China Sea.

Ishiba's Candidacy for Prime Minister

In September 2021, Ishiba announced his candidacy for Prime Minister of Japan. He is one of several candidates seeking to replace Yoshihide Suga, who announced his resignation as Prime Minister in September 2021.

Ishiba is considered to be a strong contender for Prime Minister. He is a popular figure among LDP members and is seen as a potential unifier of the party's conservative and moderate wings.

If elected, Ishiba would be Japan's first Prime Minister to have served as Minister of Defense. He would also be the first Prime Minister to have been born after World War II.