Ishiba Urges LDP Unity, While Political Observers Weigh Influence of Key Figures
– Former Japanese Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Shigeru Ishiba has advised the recently disbanded “Middle Reform Coalition” to seek common ground and unify within the party, according to a report from Sankei Shimbun. The advice came during a CSTBS program broadcast on February 13th.
Ishiba’s comments follow the LDP’s disappointing performance in both the 2024 Japanese general election and the 2025 Japanese House of Councillors election, which resulted in the party losing its majority in both chambers. His resignation as LDP president on September 7, 2025, was attributed to infighting within the party and pressure for a snap election.
The “Middle Reform Coalition,” which saw its representation plummet from 172 seats to 49 in the recent election, was specifically urged by Ishiba to find areas of agreement and work towards consolidating power within the LDP. He suggested that infighting amongst smaller factions is unproductive.
Political commentators, as reported by Sankei Shimbun, have also offered assessments of key political figures. Former LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Ogawa was described as someone to be “revered,” while Kazuo Kishi was characterized as “not someone to be underestimated.”
Takaichi Elected LDP President in October 2025
The LDP held a presidential election on October 4, 2025, to replace Ishiba. Sanae Takaichi emerged victorious after a runoff vote, defeating Shinjirō Koizumi. Takaichi secured 185 votes (54.25%) in the second round, compared to Koizumi’s 156 votes (45.75%).
The election saw a relatively low voter turnout, with 916,400 registered voters representing 13.21% of eligible members. In the first round, Takaichi received 183 votes (31.07%), followed by Koizumi with 164 (27.84%) and Yoshimasa Hayashi with 134 (22.75%).
Notably, all five candidates who participated in the 2025 election had previously run unsuccessful campaigns for the LDP leadership.
Takaichi’s Leadership and Current Challenges
Sanae Takaichi’s election as LDP president comes at a challenging time for the party. The loss of majorities in both chambers of the Diet has weakened the LDP’s political position. According to reporting from the South China Morning Post, conservative elements within Japan have expressed concerns that a potential second term for former U.S. President Donald Trump could negatively impact Japan’s trade and security interests.
The South China Morning Post also notes a resurfacing discussion regarding Japan’s nuclear capabilities, a topic that has raised concerns among critics. Tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan, as highlighted by the same source, could potentially strengthen Takaichi’s position.
Takaichi currently serves as Prime Minister of Japan, a position she assumed following her election as LDP president. Her term has already been marked by the ongoing China-Japan diplomatic crisis. The next major political test for the LDP will be the 2026 general election.
Sanae Takaichi’s political career includes previous roles as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications (2014-2017 and 2019-2020) and leadership bids in 2021 and 2024 prior to her successful 2025 campaign. She represents the Nara 2nd district in the Japanese Parliament.
