As he takes over as Japan’s new prime minister, Ishiba announces strategic cabinet appointments

Amid a leadership change in Japan, veteran politician Shigeru Ishiba has formally anointed the country’s new prime minister, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of his cabinet.

To address divisions in the party and prepare for early elections scheduled for October 27, parliament was scheduled to elect the 67-year-old as Japan’s next prime minister and present his cabinet on Tuesday.

Ishiba, a former defense minister, was officially appointed to the new cabinet by the emperor in a ceremony held at the Tokyo Imperial Palace after his presidency was confirmed.

Always seen as an outsider in the party, he must deal with the pressing issue of uniting the divided LDP, as well as internal dissatisfaction over rising living expenses and the numerous scandals that have plagued his organization.

In addition to domestic problems, the new prime minister will have to deal with an increasingly unstable security landscape in East Asia, where Japan remains concerned about North Korea’s nuclear aspirations and China’s growing aggressiveness.

Ishiba, who has led his nation for the past four unsuccessful periods, will need to move quickly to elect government and party representatives to run alongside him in the next election.

His first appointments included key LDP figures who were involved in the latest leadership contest: Yoshimasa Hayashi, who will continue to hold the prominent position of chief cabinet secretary and will be the government’s chief spokesman, and Katsunobu Kato, who is expected to assume that role as finance minister.

Ishiba’s tenure is expected to be closely scrutinized, especially in light of Japan’s diplomatic strategy and its relationship with the United States.

The new prime minister has previously called for a more balanced relationship with Washington, which could change Japanese foreign policy in subtle but important ways.