Tokyo, Japan — Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to dissolve Parliament today, October 9, paving the way for a snap election scheduled for October 27. Ishiba, who took office just last week, is seeking to capitalize on his initial surge in popularity and a divided opposition to solidify his mandate.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has dominated Japanese politics for decades, is widely expected to retain power, despite recent scandals. By calling an early election, Ishiba aims to secure support for his agenda, which includes increased defense spending and measures to address challenges in economically struggling regions. His new Cabinet approved the move to dissolve Parliament earlier today, with the formal dissolution expected this afternoon, according to local media reports.
The LDP under Ishiba’s predecessor, Fumio Kishida, faced record-low approval due to a political funding scandal and public frustration over rising costs of living. In contrast, recent polls show Ishiba’s Cabinet enjoying an approval rating of 45-50%, compared to the Kishida administration’s final 20-30%. Ishiba’s supporters hope his reputation as a defense enthusiast and his willingness to challenge party norms will attract younger voters to the LDP.
Professor Yu Uchiyama of the University of Tokyo noted that Ishiba likely called for the snap election to capitalize on his “honeymoon” phase, as well as to catch the fragmented opposition off guard. Uchiyama added that while Ishiba previously promised to prioritize confronting opposition in Parliament, his decision to dissolve it so soon could be seen as yielding to internal party pressures for political advantage.
In a bid to restore public trust, Ishiba has also announced that the LDP will withhold endorsements from members implicated in recent scandals. This move is part of his broader effort to show his administration’s commitment to integrity.
Ishiba’s agenda includes ambitious policies to strengthen Japan’s defense posture. He has advocated for a NATO-like regional military alliance to counterbalance China’s influence, though he acknowledged on October 7 that such a coalition would take time to develop. In his first policy speech, Ishiba warned of escalating tensions in East Asia, stating that “today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia.”
Ishiba also highlighted Japan’s demographic crisis, which he described as a “quiet emergency,” and outlined initiatives to support families and encourage flexible work hours. Economically, he aims to end deflation by implementing new stimulus measures and providing assistance to local governments and low-income households.
The main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, seeks to distinguish itself from the LDP by promoting social policies such as legalizing same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to retain separate surnames.
Key Points: Japan PM Ishiba Calls Snap Election Amid Political ‘Honeymoon’
- Parliament Dissolution: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is dissolving Parliament today, October 9, ahead of a snap election set for October 27, aiming to leverage his current popularity.
- LDP’s Dominance: Despite scandals, Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has long governed Japan, is expected to win, as the opposition remains fragmented.
- Policy Agenda: Ishiba seeks to bolster defense spending, support economically struggling regions, and tackle Japan’s demographic crisis.
- Scandal Response: To restore public trust, Ishiba announced the LDP will not endorse members involved in recent political funding scandals.
- Defense and Security: Ishiba advocates for a NATO-like regional military alliance and has warned of rising tensions in East Asia, calling the region’s security environment the “most severe since WWII.”
- Economic and Social Issues: Ishiba plans to end deflation with new stimulus measures, and his opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, is promoting social policies like legalizing same-sex marriage.
