Japan’s embattled PM had a cruel summer – it ends with his exit

Fumio Kishida, the Prime Minister of Japan, is expected to resign in September after a challenging summer filled with scandals and controversies. His leadership has been under scrutiny due to various issues involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), his close allies, and even his family. As living costs have risen, public dissatisfaction has grown, leading to a significant drop in his approval ratings. With a party leadership election approaching, some speculated that Kishida might attempt to secure another term, but it appears he will not run for party president, which means he will also step down as Prime Minister when the LDP selects a new leader. Despite some diplomatic achievements, such as a new military budget and improved relations with the United States and South Korea, these successes were not enough to salvage his position. Kishida stated, 'The obvious first step to show that the LDP will change is for me to step aside,' during a press conference, although his demeanor suggested a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil. Fumio Kishida has been in office since 2021, taking over from Yoshihide Suga, who resigned after just one year due to poor approval ratings during a difficult period of the Covid pandemic. Kishida led the LDP to victory in a general election shortly after taking office. Those who have worked with him describe him as a decent and intelligent individual, albeit a conservative politician. However, some view him as a strategic thinker who should not be underestimated. Kishida's calm and mild-mannered approach often masked his unpredictable and stubborn nature. For instance, he made a bold decision to dissolve his own faction within the party, which led to the disbanding of other groups that had been integral to the party's structure for years. Observers had long suggested that Kishida's position was precarious, particularly due to his indecisive handling of the scandals surrounding him. He managed to hold on to his position even as dissent grew within the LDP ranks, but many felt that the situation was untenable. Political science professor Hiromi Murakami remarked, 'People are so tired now,' indicating that the accumulation of scandals was taking its toll. The LDP began the year embroiled in controversy, with four cabinet ministers resigning in December amid allegations of financial misconduct. An investigation revealed that numerous LDP members had failed to report their income accurately, adding to the growing list of scandals that plagued Kishida's administration. The previous year, he had to dismiss his son from his position as his executive secretary after it was discovered that he had misused his role to host a party at the Prime Minister's residence. Additionally, the LDP was already facing backlash due to its connections with the controversial Unification Church, which was linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. As 2024 progressed, the fallout from these scandals continued to unfold, with new controversies emerging. In April, the LDP lost two seats in a by-election due to resignations of lawmakers involved in scandals, one accused of vote-buying and the other implicated in fundraising issues. In July, the defense ministry faced serious allegations regarding the mishandling of sensitive information and harassment, leading to disciplinary actions and dismissals. By this time, the LDP's approval ratings had plummeted to 19%, the lowest level since 2000. Kishida vowed to confront the crisis directly, but his approach drew criticism as well. He made a rare appearance before the political ethics committee but appeared hesitant and reluctant to provide clear answers. In June, his coalition attempted to pass reforms related to election funding, but public skepticism remained high. Many felt that Kishida's efforts were too little, too late. He also introduced a temporary tax relief scheme to alleviate the burden of rising costs, but many citizens felt it fell short of their needs. Kishida reflected on his tenure, stating, 'It has been constantly tense… I’ve found myself grappling with many issues both at home and abroad,' as he reached the milestone of 1,000 days in office. June also saw discussions about potential successors to Kishida, as discontented party members feared the impact of having an unpopular leader in the upcoming general election. Jeff Kingston, a professor of Asian studies, noted, '[They] think if he’s at the helm, they’re going down. They’re in panic mode. ' Rising costs have fueled public dissatisfaction with Kishida's leadership. While corruption scandals are not new, this particular situation has emerged during a particularly difficult time for the public. Murakami pointed out, 'The economic situation affected people's mindset,' as many struggled to make ends meet after the Covid crisis. The LDP's admission that some members had failed to report their income properly only added to the public's frustration. Despite his declining popularity at home, Kishida has managed to maintain a strong international presence. He previously served as Japan's foreign minister and has hosted significant events, such as the G7 summit. He has also made efforts to strengthen ties with allies like South Korea and the United States. Earlier this year, he addressed Congress at President Biden's invitation, receiving a warm reception. However, back in Japan, media outlets criticized him for using international events for domestic political gain. Kishida found himself battling multiple challenges, and both his party and the public grew increasingly impatient. Kingston emphasized, 'People vote on pocketbook issues,' highlighting the importance of economic concerns for voters. Kishida believes that the LDP needs a fresh start and must demonstrate to the Japanese people that it can change. While the opposition remains weak and divided, there is significant mistrust within the ruling party. The question remains: can a new leader help unite the LDP and restore its tarnished image? The answer may become clear in September.