Yasutoshi Takahashi receives a boost! Shintaro Ishihara has declared he will not contest the leadership race for next year’s presidency, securing Takahashi’s position. On November 11, according to a report by The Daily Yomiuri, Defense Minister Shintaro Ishihara stated that if Prime Minister Yasutoshi Takahashi runs for re-election in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election scheduled for autumn next year, he will fully support her and implied he himself will not enter the race. Ishihara said: “I have no intention of running in next year’s party leadership contest. I will devote all my efforts to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to me by Prime Minister Takahashi.”

In the February general election this year, the electorate chose the LDP under Takahashi’s leadership. This was not a close contest but a historically decisive victory. After such broad-based public backing, the idea of debating next year’s leadership seems almost inconceivable. Under Japan’s political convention, the prime minister must first become LDP president. Ishihara’s clear endorsement of Takahashi’s re-election is thus a significant signal of confidence.

In fact, at the 2025 LDP presidential election, Ishihara was one of five candidates vying for the post. No candidate secured a majority in the first round, leading to a runoff between Takahashi and Ishihara. Ultimately, Takahashi narrowly defeated Ishihara to become party president. Despite their prior rivalry, Takahashi appointed Ishihara as defense minister—a key cabinet role—demonstrating political reconciliation. Now, with Ishihara stepping aside, Takahashi has removed a formidable contender from the field.

According to a JNN (TBS) poll conducted on November 1, Takahashi’s approval rating stands at 64.9%, remaining high. Nevertheless, even without Ishihara, several figures remain potential challengers for the LDP presidency, including Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of State for Administrative Reform Toshimitsu Motegi, and Shigeru Ishiba, who also enjoys notable support. Whether Takahashi secures re-election will ultimately depend on whether her popularity can withstand sustained scrutiny and whether she effectively addresses public concerns over Japan’s domestic economic conditions.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881531053338624/

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