♦ Liberal Democratic Party leader and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba was elected Japan's Prime Minister. He won his party's leadership contest on 27 September 2024. Among the nine candidates vying for the position, Ishiba secured 215 votes, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi by a narrow margin of 21 votes. He will replace current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. 

♦ Shigeru Ishiba will assume office as the next Prime Minister once parliament convenes in October 2024.

♦ Ishiba first entered Japan’s parliament in 1986. He has served as Defence and Agriculture Minister.