Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba Elected Prime Minister Following Cabinet Resignation

Following the collective resignation of Japan’s Cabinet, Shigeru Ishiba has been elected as the 103rd Prime Minister of Japan in a special session of the Diet (parliament). The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader emerged victorious in a second-round runoff in the House of Representatives’ prime ministerial selection, surpassing Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yoshihiko Noda, age 67. This marks the first time since 1994 that Japan’s prime ministerial selection has reached a final voting stage.

In Japan, a Cabinet resignation triggers the automatic resignation of the Prime Minister, as outlined in Article 70 of the Japanese Constitution. This rule applies whenever the Diet convenes after a general election or under specific circumstances, allowing for the election of a new Prime Minister to lead a fresh Cabinet. Typically, the outgoing Prime Minister serves in a caretaker capacity until a successor is formally elected and the new government assumes office.

Earlier today, the Japanese government’s Cabinet announced its resignation, which Chief Cabinet Secretary formally communicated with a succinct statement:

“With today’s convening of a special Diet session, the Cabinet will resign collectively, as per Article 70 of the Constitution. That concludes my statement.”

This minimalist announcement reflects Japan’s formal style but also left a touch of lightheartedness on the government’s website. The Prime Minister’s Office, kantai.co.jp, updated its homepage to show a table with empty chairs—a visual metaphor for the Cabinet’s current status, and a refreshingly humorous nod to the transition of leadership. The image symbolized a moment of change, as Ishiba is expected to initiate the new Cabinet later tonight after the official Prime Ministerial appointment and ministerial certification ceremonies at the Imperial Palace.