Prof. Masaru YARIME, Associate Professor of the Division of Public Policy, was invited by RTHK's current affairs discussion program Backchat to provide his expert analysis on Japan’s upcoming leadership election following Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA’s resignation.
Prof. Yarime noted that while the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has long dominated Japanese politics, recent losses and the rise of new parties make this race more uncertain. Candidates such as KOIZUMI and TAKAICHI are seen as frontrunners, with younger figures potentially broadening the party’s appeal.

Beyond party politics, Prof. Yarime discussed the broader shifts in Japan’s political landscape. Emerging parties are gaining traction with younger generations, signaling a more fragmented system that could make governing increasingly complex. Issues such as transparency, political scandals, and public trust remain central concerns, while inflation, economic uncertainty, and Japan’s aging population continue to dominate public sentiment.

Prof. Yarime concluded that the coming leadership transition will test the LDP’s ability to renew its strategies, address structural issues, and rebuild public confidence in Japanese politics.

Listen to the full interview: https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/backchat/episode/1046685