Who is Fumio Kishida, the Japanese PM who has quit as party leader?

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his decision not to seek re-election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the upcoming party elections next month. This move signals that Japan will soon see a new prime minister at its helm.

During a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, Kishida expressed his belief that the time had come for fresh leadership within the LDP and assured his full support to whoever would take over. “In this election, it is necessary to show the people that the LDP is changing and the party is a new LDP,” Kishida told reporters.

Kishida, who assumed the role of party president in September 2021 and subsequently won a general election, will be stepping down from his position, bringing an end to his term as Japan’s prime minister.

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In April 2023, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated unharmed from a public event after an apparent smoke bomb was thrown at him. Unfazed by this attack, Kishida proceeded to his next engagements for the day, demonstrating his resilience as a leader. Let's take a comprehensive look at Fumio Kishida's life and his term as the Prime Minister of Japan.??

Who is Fumio Kishida?

Fumio Kishida, born on July 29, 1957, in Tokyo, Japan, is a prominent Japanese politician who has led the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) and headed the Kōchikai, a faction within the LDP known for its liberal leanings.?

Kishida took on the role of prime minister of Japan in 2021 after a long political career. Before becoming prime minister, Kishida served as the country's foreign minister from 2012 to 2017 under then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Early life and educational background of Kishida

Kishida was born into a political family in Tokyo, with deep roots in Hiroshima. His grandfather and father were both members of the lower house of the Diet, and his father also held a significant position at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). Kishida is also connected by marriage to Kiichi Miyazawa, a senior LDP figure and former prime minister.

In 1963, Kishida’s father, a government trade official, was assigned to work in the U.S., where young Kishida attended an elementary school in Queens, New York.?

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida addresses US Congress
byu/Broad_Past93 inGenUsa

In his 2020 book, Kishida Vision, he recounts experiencing racial discrimination during his time in the U.S., a formative experience that fueled his interest in pursuing a political career. Despite the challenges, Kishida also appreciated the diversity in the U.S., which influenced his outlook as a politician.

Upon returning to Japan, Kishida completed his education at Kaisei Academy and then Waseda University, where he earned a law degree in 1982. After a brief stint at the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Kishida entered politics, following in the footsteps of his family.

Kishida's journey through the political ranks

Kishida’s political journey began in 1987 as a secretary to his father, who was a Diet member at the time. Following his father’s death in 1992, Kishida made his political debut in the 1993 general election, winning a seat in the House of Representatives for Hiroshima’s 1st district. Over the years, he held various ministerial positions, gradually building his reputation within the LDP.

How will Fumio Kishida govern differently than Shinzō Abe? Asking as a foreigner please forgive my ignorance.
byu/HappyFunTimethe3rd injapan

In 2012, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed Kishida as the foreign minister, a role he held until 2017. During his tenure, Kishida played a crucial role in negotiating a historic agreement with South Korea in 2015 regarding the issue of "comfort women" and facilitating visits by high-profile U.S. officials to Hiroshima. His diplomatic efforts earned him the distinction of being the longest-serving Japanese foreign minister since World War II.

Kishida's rise to the prime ministership

Kishida first attempted to become the LDP’s president in 2020 but lost to Yoshihide Suga, who became prime minister. However, in 2021, Kishida launched another bid for the party leadership, advocating for tougher COVID-19 measures and economic policies focused on wealth distribution. His moderate stance and liberal views helped him secure the party’s top position after Suga decided not to seek re-election due to declining popularity.

On September 29, 2021, Kishida won the LDP presidential election, defeating Taro Kono, a former foreign minister. His victory paved the way for him to become Japan’s 100th prime minister on October 4, 2021.

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Kishida's tenure as Japan's prime minister

As prime minister, Kishida faced several significant challenges, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing economic stagnation, and tackling growing inequality. He proposed a "new form of capitalism" aimed at fairer wealth distribution, though his plan faced criticism for its lack of detailed strategy.

Internationally, Kishida took a strong stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and announced a significant increase in Japan’s defense spending, a move that marked a shift from the country’s traditionally pacifist stance. Domestically, Kishida focused on addressing Japan’s declining birth rate, proposing increased government spending on childcare programs.

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