On October 21, 2025, a major shift occurred in Japanese politics. The cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned en masse during a morning meeting, bringing an end to its 386-day administration. In response, at an extraordinary Diet session convened the same day, Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is all but certain to be designated as the 104th Prime Minister of Japan. This will mark the inauguration of the first female Prime Minister in Japan’s constitutional history.
This article provides a thorough analysis based on the latest information, covering everything from the resignation of the Ishiba Cabinet to the historic birth of the new Prime Minister Takaichi, the highly anticipated cabinet appointments, and the challenges facing the new coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai).
Part 1: The End of the Ishiba Cabinet – A 386-Day Journey and Its Legacy
1. A Short-Lived Administration
The Ishiba Cabinet resigned en masse at a cabinet meeting on the morning of the 21st. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s tenure lasted 386 days. This is a relatively short term, ranking 24th among the 36 prime ministers who have taken office in the post-war era. The administration faced significant challenges, particularly after the LDP lost its majority in last year’s general election, forcing it to operate as a minority government.
2. Prime Minister Ishiba’s Final Statement
Upon resigning, Prime Minister Ishiba released a statement reflecting on his time in office. “In the difficult circumstances of a minority government, I did my utmost with the desire to sincerely and carefully engage with all parties and factions, and to speak honestly to the sovereign people of Japan,” he said.
3. Voices of the Outgoing Ministers
Outgoing cabinet ministers expressed their hopes and highlighted the challenges for the next administration. Many voiced the need for the new government to swiftly address pressing issues, such as measures to combat high prices, a major concern for the public.
- Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
“Even after I step down, I am confident that the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who have worked so hard to respond to this crisis, will undoubtedly ensure a stable supply of rice,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of food security. - Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Komeito Party):
“There is still much work I want to do. Whatever my position may be, I want to continue working hard to ensure that the administration of land, infrastructure, and transport moves forward,” he said, showing his determination to advance policy regardless of his role.
Part 2: A Historic Moment – Sanae Takaichi to Become Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
In the prime ministerial election held at the extraordinary Diet session convened today, the 21st, LDP President Sanae Takaichi is expected to be elected as the 104th Prime Minister. With this, a woman will occupy the prime minister’s office for the first time since it was established in 1885 with the first Prime Minister, Ito Hirobumi, a position held exclusively by men for 140 years.
1. President Takaichi’s Determination
At an LDP executive meeting this morning, ahead of the prime ministerial election, President Takaichi reaffirmed her resolve, stating, “I want to somehow win this and work hard to advance our policies swiftly.” She showed strong enthusiasm for the new administration.
2. The New Government Framework: An LDP-Ishin Coalition
In this election, in addition to the LDP, the Japan Innovation Party—which formally agreed to form a coalition government yesterday, the 20th—will vote for Ms. Takaichi. This will secure her a majority in the House of Representatives, making her appointment as Prime Minister a certainty. This “LDP-Ishin Coalition” will create a new dynamic in Japanese politics.
3. The End of a 26-Year Era: The Dissolution of the LDP-Komeito Coalition
Meanwhile, the coalition between the LDP and the Komeito party, which lasted for 26 years since 1999, has come to an end. Komeito decided to leave the coalition, citing reasons such as the LDP’s stance on “politics and money” issues and Ms. Takaichi’s conservative political beliefs. This could become a significant variable in future Diet management.
Part 3: [Personnel News Flash] The Lineup of the New Takaichi Cabinet – A Balance of Merit and Party Unity
Once designated as Prime Minister, Ms. Takaichi will immediately begin forming her cabinet, which is expected to be launched tonight. The lineup of key ministers reported so far is as follows:
| Position | Name | Features/Aims |
| Chief Cabinet Secretary | Minoru Kihara | Former Minister of Defense. Politically aligned with Takaichi, he will support the administration as its key figure. An expert in security policy. |
| Minister of Finance | Satsuki Katayama | Former Minister for Regional Revitalization. A reward for her support of Takaichi in the presidential election. A former Ministry of Finance official, she will support Takaichi’s economic policies, which call for aggressive fiscal stimulus. |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | Toshimitsu Motegi | Former LDP Secretary-General. Appointing a rival from the presidential election to a key post to promote party unity. An experienced foreign minister with a reputation for diplomatic skill. |
| (Remaining in a Key Post) | Yoshimasa Hayashi | Chief Cabinet Secretary in the Ishiba Cabinet. Will continue to serve as a key cabinet member. |
| (Remaining in a Key Post) | Shinjiro Koizumi | Minister of Agriculture in the Ishiba Cabinet. Despite being a rival in the presidential race, he will be kept in a key post to promote party harmony. |
Rivals from Presidential Race Appointed to Key Posts
The new Prime Minister Takaichi plans to appoint rivals from the fiercely contested presidential election, such as Mr. Motegi and Mr. Koizumi, to important cabinet positions. This is intended to heal any rifts within the party from the election and build a “united party front” to tackle national challenges.
Proactive Appointment of First-Time Ministers
Furthermore, appointments are being coordinated to bring in several first-time ministers, including Yohei Matsumoto, Hiroshi Hiraguchi, Jiro Akama, Takao Makino, and Norikazu Suzuki, aiming to project a sense of renewal for the administration with fresh faces.
Part 4: The New Administration’s Course – The “Takaichi Color” and Piles of Domestic and International Challenges
The Takaichi Cabinet, to be launched tonight, will face numerous significant challenges.
1. Economic Policy: Can “Sanaenomics” Be Realized?
Ms. Takaichi’s economic policy, dubbed “Sanaenomics,” is built on two pillars: economic revitalization through aggressive fiscal policy and the strengthening of national security. Specifically, she aims to restore industrial competitiveness through bold investments in crisis management and growth sectors. Her ability to rebuild the lives of citizens suffering from high prices will be tested immediately.
2. Diplomacy and Security: The Development of Resolute Diplomacy
Known as a conservative, Ms. Takaichi favors strategic diplomatic and trade policies that prioritize national sovereignty and security. As the international situation grows more severe, the world will be watching to see how she steers Japan.
3. The Future of the New Coalition: Policy Coordination with Ishin
While sharing a common vision on issues like “constitutional reform” and “security policy” with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, there are also differences in their positions on economic policy and political reform, such as a “consumption tax cut” and the “handling of corporate and group donations.” The key will be how they reconcile these policies to ensure stable governance.
4. Diet Management: Confronting the Opposition
Heated debates in the Diet are expected with opposition parties, including the former coalition partner Komeito and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party. Like the Ishiba administration, which started as a minority government, the new cabinet will need to engage in careful Diet deliberations and maintain accountability to the public.
Conclusion: Japan at a Historic Turning Point
The resignation of the Ishiba Cabinet and the subsequent birth of the new Sanae Takaichi Cabinet signify more than just a change of government. It is a historic moment with Japan’s first female prime minister and, at the same time, a turning point in Japan’s political history, marking the end of the LDP-Komeito era and the beginning of a new political framework with the LDP-Ishin coalition.
Facing a mountain of challenges, what kind of leadership will the new Prime Minister Takaichi demonstrate? All eyes will be on her every move. The new cabinet will be inaugurated tonight, after which Prime Minister Takaichi will hold a press conference to explain the basic policies of her administration.
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