'Model Politician: Shigeru Ishiba's Unique Passions'

Shigeru Ishiba, soon to be Japan's Prime Minister, balances his political career with his passion for plastic models, trains, and ramen noodles. Known as an 'otaku', Ishiba uses his hobbies to foster diplomatic relations, while reminiscing about key moments in his life tied to these interests.

Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and soon-to-be Prime Minister, combines his political acumen with unique personal interests. Known for his serious demeanor, Ishiba lights up when discussing his fervor for plastic models, trains, and ramen noodles.

His office, teeming with books on history and politics, also showcases his 'otaku' passions — a term that describes someone with obsessive interests. In a 2007 TV interview, Ishiba likened crafting plastic models to 'bringing a dream to reality.' These models even play a role in his diplomatic efforts.

For example, in 2017, he revealed that he once built a model of a U.S. P3 patrol plane for an American ambassador and an aircraft carrier for a visiting Russian defense minister. 'Whenever I meet a foreign ambassador or military official, I try to present a model of a ship they served on,' he explained.

Additionally, Ishiba's enthusiasm extends to trains — having taken a sleeper train between Tokyo and Tottori over 1,000 times — and ramen, leading the 'Ramen Parliamentary Group' established by over 50 LDP members. Reflecting on his love for noodles, Ishiba says it coincides with significant periods in his life, from high school entrance exams to political endeavors.