While facing domestic criticism for his handling of economic issues and social challenges, Fumio Kishida’s tenure as Japanese Prime Minister was marked by significant achievements in foreign policy, particularly in strengthening regional alliances and promoting global security, The Associated Press reports.
Kishida’s tenure was marred by persistent low approval ratings, largely due to a series of damaging corruption scandals that ultimately led to his decision to step aside. At home, he was often perceived as a leader lacking a clear vision, forced to compromise with powerful conservative nationalists within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to maintain his hold on power.
Despite the domestic challenges, Kishida garnered significant respect abroad, particularly from the United States, for his decisive stance on defense and security issues. His leadership was instrumental in pushing through bold reforms to Japan’s defense policy, including a significant increase in military spending and a shift away from its traditionally pacifist stance. This stance, coupled with his firm opposition to Russian aggression in Ukraine and Chinese assertiveness in the region, solidified Japan’s position as a key player in the global security landscape.
While Kishida leaves office facing criticism for his handling of domestic affairs, his legacy is likely to be shaped by his assertive leadership on the international stage.
Here are some key takeaways from Kishida’s time as Prime Minister:
• Domestically, he struggled to connect with the public and his approval ratings remained consistently low. This was primarily attributed to his perceived lack of a clear vision and the persistent corruption scandals that plagued his administration.
• Internationally, he was respected for his bold leadership on defense and security issues. His commitment to strengthening Japan’s military capabilities, coupled with his firm stance against Russia and China, positioned Japan as a significant player in global security.
• His legacy is likely to be viewed as a mixed bag, marked by domestic challenges and international success. This will likely be debated for years to come as Japan navigates the complex geopolitical landscape under new leadership.
• Ties with Global South, Pacific Island nations. One of Kishida’s most notable successes was the restoration of strained relations with South Korea against the backdrop of tensions with China and North Korea. Kishida also deepened ties with Southeast Asian nations, Pacific Island countries.
His hosting of the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May 2023, a city deeply scarred by the US atomic bombing in 1945, highlighted Kishida’s commitment to nuclear disarmament. While the summit statement defended nuclear weapons as a deterrent, drawing criticism from atomic bomb survivors, Kishida maintained Japan’s commitment to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, pledging not to possess, develop, or allow the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory.
Despite these foreign policy successes, Kishida faced significant domestic challenges. His “new capitalism” economic strategy, aimed at equitable wealth distribution, failed to achieve the desired results. His defense and childcare policies, requiring major spending, also struggled to address Japan’s economic and demographic woes.
The government’s efforts to reverse Japan’s declining birthrate, primarily focused on childcare allowances for married couples, failed to address the underlying challenges of low wages, high cost of living, and a corporate culture that hinders working mothers.
