A man wearing a black suit and glasses is speaking at a podium with a Japanese flag in the background.

On October 1, ISHIBA Shigeru held his first press conference as Prime Minister.

 

February 4, 1957
Born as the Son of the Governor of Tottori Prefecture

ISHIBA Shigeru was born in Japan following the post-war reconstruction period, just as the country was entering its era of rapid economic growth. He hails from Tottori Prefecture in western Japan, the least populated prefecture in the country. His father, ISHIBA Jiro, served as the Governor of Tottori Prefecture and as a member of the House of Councillors. He was named Shigeru after former Prime Minister YOSHIDA Shigeru.

A woman pours a drink for a seated man and young boy at a table in a vintage setting.

Ishiba (center) in his childhood, spent at the official residence of the Governor of Tottori Prefecture.

 

1972
Tokyo Beckons

After attending Tottori University’s affiliated elementary and middle schools, Ishiba moved to Tokyo on his own to attend Keio Senior High School. Whenever he felt homesick, he would go to Tokyo Station and spend time watching the night trains bound for Tottori. He later went on to study law at Keio University.

A man dressed in a formal suit is sitting on a playground swing that has a circular, metallic frame.

Ishiba during his university days.

 

1979
Begins Career in Banking

After graduating from university, Ishiba joined Mitsui Bank (now Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation). He was assigned to the Honmachi branch in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, where he cycled around the wholesale district of Nihonbashi, gaining firsthand experience in managing small- and medium-sized businesses.
 
A man in a suit and tie waves cheerfully from the door of a train.

Known as one of the most avid train enthusiasts in Japanese politics, Ishiba sees trains not just as a means of transportation, but as something with emotional appeal and a sense of escape from the ordinary. He also views trains as a key to regional revitalization. THE MAINICHI NEWSPAPERS/AFLO

 

1986
First Election Victory

In 1981, Ishiba’s father, Jiro, passed away. Strongly encouraged by former Prime Minister TANAKA Kakuei, who had a close relationship with Jiro, he left Mitsui Bank and entered the world of politics. After working as a staff member in Tanaka’s faction, he ran in the 1986 House of Representatives election for the Tottori constituency and was elected for the first time at the age of 29, making him the youngest member in the country at the time. He joined a group of young politicians advocating for political reform and during that process briefly left the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Two men in formal suits at a table set with various glasses, bottles, and a vase of pink flowers.

Ishiba (left) in 1983, while working in the faction office of former Prime Minister TANAKA Kakuei (right).

 

2002
First Cabinet Appointment

After rejoining the LDP in 1997, Ishiba entered the Cabinet for the first time in 2002 as Director-General of the Defense Agency. He worked on emergency legislation and the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq. He later held positions such as Minister of Defense and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He also ran in the LDP leadership elections in 2008 and 2012.

Two men shaking hands over a table, with a detailed wolrd map in the background.

Ishiba during his visit to Iraq while serving as Director-General of the Defense Agency.

 

2014
Appointed as the First Minister for Regional Revitalization

In 2014, the Headquarters for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan was established to address issues such as the declining birthrate, aging population, and concentration of the population in the capital region. Ishiba was appointed as the first Minister to take charge of these efforts. He promoted the relocation of central government agencies from Tokyo to regional areas, and during his tenure the decision was made to relocate the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto.
 

Three men in suits stand together, holding the headquarters sign in Japanese.

The Secretariat of the Headquarters for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy was established on September 5, 2014.
A large building featuring numerous windows, showcasing its impressive size and Western‐style architectural design.

Nine divisions of the Agency for Cultural Affairs related to cultural properties were relocated to Kyoto, with operations commencing on March 27, 2023.

 

2018
Third Run for LDP Leadership

Under the slogan “Honesty and Fairness,” Ishiba entered the LDP leadership election. He performed well, securing 45% of the regional votes.
 

2020
Fourth Run for LDP Leadership

Following the resignation of former Prime Minister ABE Shinzo, Ishiba ran in the LDP leadership election to choose his successor, competing against former Prime Ministers SUGA Yoshihide and KISHIDA Fumio.
 

October 1, 2024
Appointed as Prime Minister

In his fifth run for the LDP leadership, Ishiba was chosen as the party leader from a record nine candidates and was subsequently appointed as Prime Minister. He declared his commitment to gaining the understanding and support of the public.
 
A group of congressmen in formal attire clapping to the new PM at the Chamber of the House of Councillors.

On October 1, 2024, Ishiba was appointed Prime Minister following a vote in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.