As Another Leadership Election Looms, Japan’s Real Bosses Take Stock

As Another Leadership Election Looms, Japan’s Real Bosses Take Stock

Nominal leaders are secondary to party power—but the system’s looking shaky.

Five Japanese officials stand side by side on a stage. The four men wear black suits with white shirts and ties; the sole woman wears a blue pantsuit. Three of the officials lean close to speak to one another, pointing at something in the crowd off camera. September 30, 2025, 4:52 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

The resignation this month of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has thrown the government into a new round of turmoil—at a point when a chaotic global order needs a stable response from Tokyo.

Ishiba said he was stepping down to take responsibility for a dismal showing by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in