Japan’s government is heading for new leadership — but that’s not likely to mean any significant change in policy. And according to public opinion polls, the most popular candidate won’t be the next prime minister.
Fumio Kishida won the race to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
That means he’s headed for the prime minister’s seat next week.
But his popularity among party elders is not matched by broad enthusiasm from the general public.
Kishida has been a politician since his 30s. He’s served in various cabinet posts — including five years as foreign minister under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
That made him Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister — but he lost a bid for the prime minister’s job last year.
The candidate who led public opinion polls in this race was Taro Kono — currently in charge of Japan’s COVID-19 vaccination program.
Kono has also been a politician since his 30s. He followed Kishida as Foreign Minister, and served as Defense Minister earlier in the Abe administration.
Both men come from political families — a common story in Japan.
Kono is often called a “maverick.” That’s all in the context of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, which despite that name, is actually quite conservative.
He’s backed same-sex marriage, opposed nuclear power, and attracted a Twitter following of nearly two and a half million.
Kishida is expected to take office Monday. He’ll lead the LDP into the next general election — likely in mid-November.
