Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japan's new prime minister after successfully winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for the fifth time. The 67-year-old veteran politician is expected to be officially installed as prime minister by the LDP-controlled parliament on Tuesday. Ishiba's leadership comes at a critical time as he faces significant challenges, including a rising cost-of-living crisis, issues of public trust, and regional threats posed by China and North Korea. His determination to lead Japan has been evident throughout his political career, and now he is ready to take on the responsibilities of the nation's highest office.

Shigeru Ishiba, a seasoned moderate politician and former defense minister, has been elected as the new leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is set to become the country's prime minister next week. In a closely contested runoff election held at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Ishiba secured victory over his rightwing opponent, Sanae Takaichi, with a vote count of 215 to 194. Takaichi was vying to make history as Japan's first female prime minister. At 67 years old, Ishiba has pledged to address the "widespread distrust" within the party, signaling a commitment to restoring confidence among party members and the public.