Shigeru Ishiba Set to Become Japan's New Prime Minister as He Seeks Party Unity

Shigeru Ishiba, former defense minister of Japan, is expected to be voted in as Japan's next prime minister, following a close leadership contest. Ishiba aims to heal party divisions and prepare for the October 27 election. Key cabinet appointments include Katsunobu Kato, Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Takeshi Iwaya.

Shigeru Ishiba is poised to be voted in as Japan's next prime minister on Tuesday. He plans to reveal his cabinet as part of efforts to mend party divisions and gear up for the October 27 election.

The former defense minister, having won a tight race to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is virtually assured the premiership due to the party's parliamentary majority. The formal vote is scheduled for around 1:40 p.m. (0440 GMT), followed by an official ceremony at Tokyo's Imperial Palace, where Emperor will appoint Ishiba and his cabinet. Ishiba will also hold a press conference later in the day.

Despite being seen as an outsider within his own party and having failed in four previous leadership bids, Ishiba has begun selecting government and party officials to contest the upcoming election. His selections include rival candidates from the leadership race: Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and Yoshimasa Hayashi retaining his role as chief cabinet secretary. Other notable appointments include Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani returning to the defense ministry. Sanae Takaichi, whom Ishiba narrowly defeated in the leadership race, is notably absent from the picks, potentially complicating party unity efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)