Former Defence Minister Ishiba to Become Japan’s New PM

Japan’s former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba will become the prime minister of the country next week. On Friday, he won the conservative ruling party’s leadership vote.

The 67-year-old train lover beat arch-nationalist Sanae Takaichi,   who would have been the country’s first-ever woman PM, by getting 215 votes to 194 of Takaichi.

Ishiba’s victory was announced at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo.

“I will do my utmost to believe in the people, to speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and to make this country a safe and secure place where everyone can live with a smile on their face once again,” he said in a short speech after being elected by the party to become the next PM.

Ishiba had come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to nationalist Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader who was later assassinated.