Shigeru Ishiba Poised to Become Japan's Next Prime Minister

Shigeru Ishiba is set to be confirmed as Japan's new prime minister, leading the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He aims to heal party divisions and prepare for an October election. His cabinet includes notable figures like Katsunobu Kato and Yoshimasa Hayashi, amid a volatile economic and political landscape.

Shigeru Ishiba is set to be voted in by parliament as Japan's next prime minister on Tuesday, following his victory in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race. The 67-year-old will soon unveil his new cabinet, aiming to heal internal party divisions and prepare for an upcoming snap election on October 27.

The official result of the parliamentary vote is expected around 1:40 p.m. (0440 GMT), after which the Emperor will formally appoint Ishiba and his cabinet in a ceremony at Tokyo's Imperial Palace. He is expected to hold a press conference later in the day. Ishiba, a seasoned lawmaker and former defense minister, has already begun appointing key government and party officials to contest the general election with him.

Notable appointments include Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and Yoshimasa Hayashi retaining his role as chief cabinet secretary. Other key figures include Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani returning to his former post as defense minister. Amid a turbulent economic environment and internal party challenges, Ishiba's leadership faces significant scrutiny ahead of the October election.