Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Bold International Moves Contrast with Declining Approval Ratings at Home
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who recently announced he will not seek re-election as the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has significantly reshaped Japan’s foreign policy landscape. However, his tenure has been marred by persistent domestic challenges that ultimately led to his decision to step down.
Kishida’s three-year tenure was marked by a decisive pivot in Japan’s foreign policy. In response to escalating global tensions, Kishida accelerated Japan’s military expansion and realigned the country’s strategic alliances. Notably, Japan’s defense budget saw a dramatic increase under Kishida, positioning Japan to become the world’s third-largest military spender by the end of his five-year plan. This move broke a long-standing taboo against acquiring missiles with offensive capabilities.
Kishida’s foreign policy initiatives extended beyond mere defense upgrades. He bolstered Japan’s security ties with key partners, including the United States, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea, and NATO. This effort continued the vision of his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, but with a more assertive approach. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 provided Kishida with a powerful impetus to advance these policies, illustrating the shifting global dynamics and Japan’s need to adapt.
“Kishida recognized the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point in postwar history,” said Daniel Sneider, an East Asia policy specialist at Stanford University. He emphasized Kishida’s quick adaptation to the new geopolitical realities, including Japan’s unprecedented humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.
Japan’s proximity to Taiwan, with its westernmost island just 100 kilometers from the self-ruled island, heightened Kishida’s focus on regional security. Kishida’s administration voiced strong support for Taiwan amidst increasing threats from China. While Japan has not formally committed to defending Taiwan, Kishida’s rhetorical support and enhanced security cooperation with like-minded countries underscored Japan’s growing role in regional stability.
Despite his international acclaim, Kishida’s domestic approval ratings struggled throughout his term. A July poll indicated that only 15.5% of Japanese voters supported his Cabinet. Kishida faced significant criticism for his handling of Japan’s economy, which struggled with stagnation and inflation exacerbated by global events, including the war in Ukraine.
Domestic controversies further tarnished Kishida’s leadership. His administration grappled with allegations of misappropriated political funds and criticism over his handling of these issues. “The perception of Kishida outside of Japan versus inside Japan is starkly different,” noted Mieko Nakabayashi, a former Japanese lawmaker. “Internationally, he was respected for his role in defending democracy, but domestically, he struggled with leadership and economic management.”
As Kishida prepares to exit, his legacy is a mix of bold foreign policy moves and domestic struggles. His administration’s efforts to enhance Japan’s international standing and defense capabilities were substantial, reflecting a broader shift in Japan’s strategic posture. However, the inability to address domestic economic challenges and political controversies ultimately overshadowed these achievements.
Kishida’s departure leaves Japan at a crossroads, with a need to address both internal discontent and ongoing international pressures. The future leadership of the LDP will play a crucial role in shaping Japan’s next steps on both fronts.
