Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his resignation, setting the stage for his departure after three years in office. Kishida revealed that he will not participate in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential race, citing the need to take responsibility for a slush funds scandal that has plagued his administration.
The decision comes as Kishida’s Cabinet has been ramping up disaster preparedness efforts following Japan’s first-ever advisory warning of a potential megaquake along the Nankai Trough, which extends from central to southwestern Japan. Kishida made the announcement at a press conference, stating, “As a first step to demonstrate that the LDP has changed, I have decided not to run in the presidential race.” He added that he made this choice during a period free from immediate diplomatic engagements.
Kishida emphasized that the new LDP leader should work cohesively to restore public trust in politics and tackle critical issues such as addressing Japan’s declining birthrate and enhancing defense capabilities. Despite hosting the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima in 2023, Kishida’s approval ratings have dropped significantly due to the scandal, which emerged late last year.
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Having served as the eighth prime minister since 1945 to complete 1,000 days in office, Kishida will continue as a “rank-and-file” LDP lawmaker but refrained from commenting on potential successors for the party leadership and prime ministerial role. Kishida’s resignation follows the recent trend of LDP leaders being forced to step down, with his immediate predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, also not seeking reelection. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who resigned in September 2020, remains the last LDP chief to secure reelection.
Calls within the LDP for Kishida’s resignation grew louder amid concerns about the party’s performance in the next general election. While some senior LDP lawmakers praised Kishida’s decision as commendable, opposition parties speculate that a snap election may be called shortly after the new prime minister assumes office.
Kenta Izumi, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), criticized the LDP’s strategy as an attempt to divert attention from past issues and maintain its hold on power. The CDPJ is also preparing for its leadership race in September.
The LDP has faced intense scrutiny over slush funds, with some factions failing to report income from fundraising events and creating illicit funds for members. Kishida responded by disbanding his faction and penalizing veteran lawmakers close to Abe. Despite securing a revised political funds control law, critics argue it still allows for continued misuse of funds. The LDP suffered a significant defeat in April’s House of Representatives by-elections, further undermining Kishida’s position.
Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has broad public appeal, has expressed interest in running for the LDP presidential election. Digital Minister Taro Kono, known for his reformist stance and social media presence, has also indicated his intention to run. Other potential candidates include LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi.
Kishida’s tenure, which began in October 2021 following Suga’s resignation over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw the LDP secure a majority in the lower house and win the House of Councillors election in July 2022. His administration also made significant policy shifts, including the decision to acquire the capability to strike enemy bases and double defense spending in response to security concerns. Additionally, Kishida worked to improve Japan-South Korea relations and made a notable visit to Ukraine amidst Russia’s invasion.
