:Fumio Kishida

Kishida was born to a political family in Shibuya, Tokyo, on 29 July 1957.{{cite web |last1=Akimoto |first1=Daisuke |date=7 September 2021 |title=The Arrival of Kishida Diplomacy? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/the-arrival-of-kishida-diplomacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162945/https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/the-arrival-of-kishida-diplomacy/ |archive-date=28 September 2021 |access-date=29 September 2021 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US}}{{cite web|title=Fumio Kishida|url=https://japan.kantei.go.jp/96_abe/meibo/daijin/kishida_e.html|publisher=Kantei|access-date=30 September 2021|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928163701/https://japan.kantei.go.jp/96_abe/meibo/daijin/kishida_e.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Abe Cabinet (Formed December 26, 2012)|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/cabinet-profiles/abe-cabinet-formed-december-26-2012|access-date=30 September 2021|newspaper=The Japan Times|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930134100/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/cabinet-profiles/abe-cabinet-formed-december-26-2012|url-status=live}} His father, Fumitake Kishida ({{lang|ja|岸田文武}}), was a government official in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and director of The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency.{{cite book | title=閨閥: 新特権階級の系譜 | publisher=每日新聞社 | year=1989 | isbn=978-4-620-30679-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CyggAAAAMAAJ | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-30 | page=}} Since the Kishida family was from Hiroshima, the family returned there every summer. Many members of the Kishida family had died in the atomic bombing and Fumio grew up hearing stories from the atomic bomb survivors.{{cite book |last1=Kishida |first1=Fumio |date=2020 |publisher=Nikkei BP |isbn=978-4296106974 |script-title=ja:『核兵器のない世界へ 勇気ある平和国家の志』 |trans-title=Towards a World Without Nuclear Weapons: Ambition of a Courageous Peaceful Nation |chapter=第一章 故郷・広島への想い |trans-chapter=Chapter 1: Thoughts on my hometown, Hiroshima}} Both his father Fumitake and grandfather Masaki Kishida were former politicians who were members of the House of Representatives. Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoichi Miyazawa is his cousin{{Cite web |date=2020-09-13 |title=［自民党総裁選］岸田さんこんな人…「勝つまで戦う」酒豪 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/topics/20200909-OYT8T50012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004110126/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/topics/20200909-OYT8T50012/ |archive-date=4 October 2021 |access-date=2020-09-19 |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |language=ja}}{{cite web|date=23 October 2014|title=Japan minister support staff 'put sex club on expenses'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29735264|access-date=24 October 2014|publisher=BBC|archive-date=24 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024054943/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29735264|url-status=live}} and former prime minister Kiichi Miyazawa is a distant relative.

Kishida first went to P.S. 020 John Bowne elementary school in Flushing Queens and then P.S. 013 Clement C. Moore elementary school in Elmhurst Queens, New York, because his father was posted to a job in the U.S. at the time.{{Cite web |last=Landers |first=Peter |date=3 September 2021 |title=Japan's Next Prime Minister: Who Are the Candidates to Succeed Yoshihide Suga? |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/japans-next-prime-minister-who-are-the-candidates-to-succeed-yoshihide-suga-11630657293 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162940/https://www.wsj.com/articles/japans-next-prime-minister-who-are-the-candidates-to-succeed-yoshihide-suga-11630657293 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US}} He also attended Kōjimachi Elementary School and Kōjimachi Junior High School. Kishida graduated from Kaisei Academy, where he played on the baseball team.{{cite news |last=Sin |first=Walter |date=2 October 2021 |title=Fumio Kishida: Japan's ronin turned prime minister-designate |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/fumio-kishida-japans-ronin-turned-prime-minister-designate |work=The Straits Times |access-date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003211726/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/fumio-kishida-japans-ronin-turned-prime-minister-designate |url-status=live }}

Following several rejections from the University of Tokyo, Kishida studied law at Waseda University and graduated in 1982. At Waseda, he was friends with future politician Takeshi Iwaya.{{Cite news |last1=Reynolds |first1=Isabel |last2=Hirokawa |first2=Takashi |date=20 July 2017 |title=Abe's Low-Key Foreign Minister Watched as Potential Rival |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-20/abe-s-low-key-foreign-minister-emerges-as-key-rival-to-run-japan |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929144248/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-20/abe-s-low-key-foreign-minister-emerges-as-key-rival-to-run-japan |url-status=live}}{{cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |title=Fumio Kishida: calm centrist picked as Japan's next prime minister |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1494663/fumio-kishida-calm-centrist-picked-as-japans-next-prime-minister |access-date=8 October 2021 |work=INQUIRER.net |date=29 September 2021 |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008164649/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1494663/fumio-kishida-calm-centrist-picked-as-japans-next-prime-minister |url-status=live }}

File:PM Modi meets Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida, in Tokyo.jpg, September 2014]]

After working at now-defunct Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan and then as a secretary to Fumitake Kishida, a member of the House of Representatives in 1987,{{cite book | title=政官要覧 | publisher=政策時報社 | issue=第 2 號 | year=1993 | isbn=978-4-915324-20-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nLe4AAAAIAAJ | language=zh | access-date=2024-08-30 | page=}} Kishida was elected to the House of Representatives in the 1993 general election, representing the Hiroshima 1st district.{{cite news|title=Profiles of key ministers in Abe's new Cabinet|url=http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201212260086|access-date=27 December 2012|newspaper=The Asahi Shimbun|date=26 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705190313/http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201212260086|archive-date=5 July 2013|url-status=dead}}

In November 2000, when then Prime Minister Yoshirō Mori's popularity was declining due to a number of gaffes, Kōchikai Chairman Koichi Kato and Kinmirai Seiji Kenkyūkai Chairman Taku Yamasaki attempted to oppose the Cabinet or pass the motion in absentia by means of a motion of no-confidence in the Cabinet proposed by the opposition party, which is known as Kato's Rebellion ({{lang|ja|加藤の乱}}). At that time, Kishida signed a petition in support of Kato and was absent during the vote. However, after the Kato Rebellion failed, he joined the anti-Kato Horiuchi faction ({{lang|ja|新財政研究会)}}.{{cite book | author=行政問題硏究所 | title=官界 | publisher=行政問題硏究所 | issue=第 5–8 號 | year=2002 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sku4AAAAIAAJ | language=zh | access-date=2024-08-18 | page=58}}

In 2001, Kishida served as Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the first Koizumi Cabinet. In the first Abe Reform Cabinet, he served as Minister of State for Special Missions ({{lang|ja|内閣府特命担当大臣}}, in charge of Okinawa and northern countermeasures, national life, re-inauguration, science and technology policy, and regulatory reform).{{cite web | title=岸田文雄外務大臣略歴 | website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/annai/honsho/gaisho/kishida/ryakureki.html | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-18}}{{cite web | title=岸田内閣府特命担当大臣（沖縄及び北方対策、科学技術政策、国民生活、規制改革） | website=内閣府ホームページ | date=2010-11-04 | url=https://www.cao.go.jp/minister/0708_f_kishida/index.html | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-18}} In Yasuo Fukuda Cabinet, he continued to serve as Minister of State for Special Missions (in charge of Okinawa and Northern countermeasures, national life, science and technology policy, and regulatory reform).{{cite web | title=総理の動き-福田内閣発足-平成19年9月26日 | website=政府広報オンライン | date=2007-09-26 | url=https://www.gov-online.go.jp/prg/prg1416.html | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-18}}{{cite web | title=第91代 福田 康夫 | website=首相官邸ホームページ | url=https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/rekidainaikaku/091.html | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-18}}

Kishida served as Minister of Okinawa Affairs from 2007 to 2008, firstly in the Abe Cabinet and later in the Fukuda cabinet.{{cite news|date=27 December 2012|title=Profile: Foreign Minister Kishida boasts background in Okinawa affairs|newspaper=House of Japan|url=http://www.houseofjapan.com/local/profile-foreign-minister-kishida-boasts-background-in-okinawa-affairs|url-status=usurped|access-date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225149/http://www.houseofjapan.com/local/profile-foreign-minister-kishida-boasts-background-in-okinawa-affairs|archive-date=2 December 2013}} He was appointed state minister in charge of consumer affairs and food safety in the cabinet of then prime minister Yasuo Fukuda in 2008. Kishida was also state minister in charge of science and technology in the Fukuda cabinet.

Kishida was close to Makoto Koga, leader of the Kōchikai faction, one of the oldest inside the LDP, and assumed control of it in October 2012 after Makoto Koga announced his retirement from politics.

Following the LDP's victory in the 2012 general election, Kishida was named foreign minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on 26 December 2012.{{cite news|title=Abe elected premier, launches Cabinet|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121226002018.htm|access-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=Daily Yomuiru Online|date=26 December 2012|archive-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230194816/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T121226002018.htm|url-status=live}} He became the longest-serving foreign minister in postwar history, surpassing Abe's father Shintaro Abe.{{Cite web|last=Bosack|first=Michael|date=9 July 2018|title=Will Kishida Challenge Abe's Leadership?|url=https://www.tokyoreview.net/2018/07/kishida-abe-leadership-challenge/|access-date=29 August 2020|website=Tokyo Review|archive-date=20 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820065646/https://www.tokyoreview.net/2018/07/kishida-abe-leadership-challenge/|url-status=live}} He helped to arrange U.S. President Barack Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima in May 2016, and gained attention in 2017 when he appeared alongside comedian Piko Taro to promote a United Nations program.

He was not in favor of the appointment of Toshihiro Nikai as LDP secretary-general by Abe in 2016 against the wishes of Kishida's own faction, which was seen as an attempt at blocking generational change inside the LDP.{{Cite web|date=11 September 2021|title=Kishida goes all out for Japan's top job|url=https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/09/11/kishida-goes-all-out-for-japans-top-job/|access-date=28 September 2021|website=East Asia Forum|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162941/https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/09/11/kishida-goes-all-out-for-japans-top-job/|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Kishida left the Cabinet to take over the chairmanship of the LDP Policy Research Council, a position traditionally seen as a stepping stone to leadership of the party.{{Cite news|date=2 August 2017|title=Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida set to take key ruling party post: NHK|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-politics-idUSKBN1AI073|access-date=29 August 2020|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922185255/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-politics-idUSKBN1AI073|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=2020-09-03 |title=Kishida unveils policy pledges in race to replace Japan's outgoing PM Abe as head of LDP |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200903/p2a/00m/0na/014000c |access-date=2024-08-14 |newspaper=Mainichi Daily News}} He sought this position in order to improve his chances to succeed Abe, as the foreign minister post had relatively little influence within the party. On July 28, 2017, after Tomomi Inada resigned, he briefly served as Minister of Defense.{{cite web | title=稲田防衛相「責任痛感」、日報問題で辞任 岸田氏が兼務 | website=Reuters Japan | date=2017-07-28 | url=https://jp.reuters.com/article/world/-idUSKBN1AD09F/ | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-19}}

Kishida considered running in the 2018 LDP presidential election, but he was persuaded by Abe not to run, with a suggestion that Abe would later support Kishida as his successor.{{Cite web|last=Yoshida|first=Reiji|date=24 July 2018|title=LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida says he won't run in party leadership election, leaving two-way race between Abe and Ishiba|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/24/national/politics-diplomacy/ldp-policy-chief-fumio-kishida-says-wont-run-partys-election-leaving-two-way-race-abe-ishiba/|access-date=4 October 2021|website=The Japan Times|language=en-US|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004062900/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/24/national/politics-diplomacy/ldp-policy-chief-fumio-kishida-says-wont-run-partys-election-leaving-two-way-race-abe-ishiba/|url-status=live}} By mid-2020, several senior LDP lawmakers had shifted their support from Kishida to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. Deputy Prime Minister Tarō Asō was also popular for sending stimulus payments to households during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|last=Sakaguchi|first=Yukihiro|date=26 June 2020|title=Race to replace Abe threatens stability of Japanese politics|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Inside-Japanese-politics/Race-to-replace-Abe-threatens-stability-of-Japanese-politics|access-date=29 August 2020|website=Nikkei Asian Review|archive-date=28 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828215542/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Inside-Japanese-politics/Race-to-replace-Abe-threatens-stability-of-Japanese-politics|url-status=live}} Kishida ran in the 2020 LDP presidential election but lost out to Suga, who became prime minister;{{Cite web |title=Leading by listening: Kishida offers Japan a traditional style of politics |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Leading-by-listening-Kishida-offers-Japan-a-traditional-style-of-politics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031170238/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Leading-by-listening-Kishida-offers-Japan-a-traditional-style-of-politics |archive-date=31 October 2021 |access-date=31 October 2021}} Kishida was not offered a position in the Suga cabinet, although his faction obtained two cabinet seats.{{Cite web|last=Bosack|first=Michael MacArthur|date=16 September 2020|title=Breaking down Suga's picks for his first Cabinet|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2020/09/16/commentary/japan-commentary/yoshihide-suga-cabinet-rundown/|access-date=16 September 2020|website=The Japan Times|archive-date=18 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918052325/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2020/09/16/commentary/japan-commentary/yoshihide-suga-cabinet-rundown/|url-status=live}}

{{See also|2021 Liberal Democratic Party (Japan) presidential election|First Kishida Cabinet}}

File:Election of Prime Minister of Japan 20211004 (1).jpg, 4 October 2021.]]

Following Yoshihide Suga's announcement on 3 September 2021 that he would resign, following low approval ratings (at one point below 30%), and a new wave of COVID-19 infections, Kishida and Taro Kono of Shikōkai faction were in the lead to replace him.{{Cite web |title=Taro Kono tops Kyodo poll of LDP members as most fit to be Japan PM |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/09/5a90bbf0185a-breaking-news-48-of-ldp-members-see-kono-as-most-fit-japan-pm-kyodo-poll.html |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Kyodo News+}} Suga's decision to not seek re-election as head of the LDP triggered another leadership election in September, just a little more than a year after the previous election in 2020. Throughout the race, Kono was heavily favored to win as he remained in first place among various LDP polls, and he received endorsements by Suga and others.{{Cite web |last=Auto |first=Hermes |date=2021-09-04 |title=Suga backs Kono, Abe picks Takaichi: Battle lines drawn in fight for Japan's top job |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-pm-suga-to-back-vaccine-minister-kono-in-ldp-leadership-race-media |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}}

On 29 September 2021, Kishida defeated Taro Kono in a runoff vote to become the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and replaced outgoing party leader Yoshihide Suga. He received a total of 257 votes (60.19%), from 249 parliamentary members and eight rank-and-file members, to become Japan's next prime minister.{{cite news |last1=Ogura |first1=Junko |last2=Wang |first2=Selina |last3=Regan |first3=Helen |title=Fumio Kishida expected to become Japan's next Prime Minister after ruling party vote |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/29/asia/japan-leadership-election-kishida-intl-hnk/index.html |date=29 September 2021 |access-date=29 September 2021 |website=CNN |archive-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929070431/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/29/asia/japan-leadership-election-kishida-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}

{{See also|2021 Japanese general election|Second Kishida Cabinet}}

The First Kishida Cabinet took office on 4 October 2021 and consisted of 21 members, including 13 who joined the Cabinet for the first time while also including 2 veterans, Toshimitsu Motegi and Nobuo Kishi, who retained their respective posts from the previous cabinet under Suga;{{cite news |last1=Sim |first1=Walter |title=Who's who in Cabinet of Japan's new PM Fumio Kishida |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/whos-who-in-the-cabinet-of-japans-new-pm-fumio-kishida |access-date=4 October 2021 |work=The Straits Times |date=4 October 2021 |language=en |archive-date=6 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006091010/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/whos-who-in-the-cabinet-of-japans-new-pm-fumio-kishida |url-status=live }} He also became the first LDP prime minister of Kōchikai origin in nearly three decades, since Kiichi Miyazawa resigned in 1993.{{cite web | title=岸田首相、在職日数戦後10位に 宏池会出身の鈴木善幸氏に並ぶ | website=毎日新聞 | date=2024-03-14 | url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240213/k00/00m/010/211000c | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-23}}{{cite web | title=首相在任645日、宮沢氏超す 宏池会出身で3番目 | website=日本経済新聞 | date=2023-07-11 | url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKKZO72639370Q3A710C2PD0000/ | language=ja | access-date=2024-08-23}} On the same day, Kishida announced he would call a general election for 31 October 2021.{{Cite news|last=Lies|first=Elaine|date=3 October 2021|title=In surprise move, new Japan PM to call Oct 31 election – NHK|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kishida-set-take-office-form-government-2021-10-03/|access-date=4 October 2021|archive-date=4 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004042842/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kishida-set-take-office-form-government-2021-10-03/|url-status=live}} Kishida gave his first speech as prime minister on 8 October 2021, vowing to fight and end the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan as well as announcing measures to counter the perceived threats by China and North Korea.{{cite news |title=Japan's new PM promises to do his utmost to end COVID-19 crisis |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/8/japans-new-pm-promises-to-do-his-utmost-to-end-covid-19-crisis |access-date=8 October 2021 |agency=Al Jazeera |date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008081958/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/8/japans-new-pm-promises-to-do-his-utmost-to-end-covid-19-crisis |url-status=live }}

Following the 2021 Japanese general election, Kishida maintained the premiership, although the LDP lost 25 seats.{{Cite news |date=4 October 2021 |title=Fumio Kishida: Japan's new prime minister takes office |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58784635 |url-status=live |access-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004052101/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58784635 |archive-date=4 October 2021}}{{cite web |date=2021-10-31 |title=Japan election: PM Fumio Kishida declares victory for ruling LDP |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59110828 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=BBC Home}} He formed the Second Kishida Cabinet by replacing Toshimitsu Motegi with Yoshimasa Hayashi as the Foreign Minister; Motegi became the party's Secretary-General.{{Cite web |title=Japan foreign minister Motegi to become ruling party No. 2 |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/11/3dce4fe535b4-update1-japan-foreign-minister-motegi-to-become-ruling-party-no-2.html |access-date=2021-11-01 |website=Kyodo News+ |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200519/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/11/3dce4fe535b4-update1-japan-foreign-minister-motegi-to-become-ruling-party-no-2.html |url-status=live }}

Kishida's tenure saw a reversal of decades-long deflationary economic policies, with Japan experiencing its highest wage growth in 30 years, driven by record wage increases achieved through annual wage negotiations.{{cite web |last=Kitado |first=Akira |date=2024-01-30 |title=Kishida vows to spur Japan workers' incomes above inflation |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Kishida-vows-to-spur-Japan-workers-incomes-above-inflation |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Nikkei Asia}}{{cite news |date=2024-09-13 |title=Japan PM hopefuls agree on Kishida's economic push, differ on how |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240913/p2g/00m/0na/057000c |access-date=2024-10-01 |newspaper=Mainichi Daily News}}

In December 2022, Kishida instructed his government to increase "national security-related spending" to 2 percent of Japan's GDP, while increasing the defence budget from 5.4 trillion yen ($40 billion) in 2022 to 8.9 trillion yen ($66 billion) by 2027, up 65%. This would lead to a spending a total of around 43 trillion yen ($321 billion) between 2023 and 2027, up 56% from 2019 to 2023.{{Cite web |last=Liff |first=Adam P. |date=22 May 2023 |title=No, Japan is not planning to "double its defense budget" |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2023/05/22/no-japan-is-not-planning-to-double-its-defense-budget/ |access-date=23 May 2023 |website=Brookings Institution}}

Amidst the relaxation of COVD-19 measures in Spring 2022, Kishida resumed the admission of foreign workers into Japan, but stopped short of reforming the nation's immigration policy.{{Cite web |last=Rehm |first=Maximilien Xavier |date=2023-11-24 |title=Time for Japan to warmly welcome more immigrants |url=http://asiatimes.com/2023/11/time-for-japan-to-warmly-welcome-more-immigrants/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=Asia Times |language=en-US}}

The government's minimum wage target of ¥1,500 by the mid-2030s was questioned by economists, who argued that certain macroeconomic factors could prevent the goal from being reached.{{Cite web |last=Nagata |first=Kazuaki |date=2023-09-11 |title=Economists question the wisdom of Kishida's new minimum wage target |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/09/11/economy/new-minimum-wage-target/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

Kishida appointed Kazuo Ueda as Governor of the Bank of Japan in April 2023, who stated he planned to continue the ultra easy monetary policy introduced by the outgoing Governor Haruhiko Kuroda.{{Cite news |last1=Kihara |first1=Leika |last2=Kajimoto |first2=Tetsushi |date=2023-07-18 |title=BOJ's Ueda signals resolve to maintain ultra-easy policy |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/bojs-ueda-still-some-distance-sustainably-hit-2-inflation-target-2023-07-18/ |access-date=2023-09-16}} A few weeks before his next cabinet reshuffle, Kishida stated he wanted to raise the hourly minimum wage in Japan to about ¥1,500 ($10.29) by 2030.{{Cite web |last=Nagata |first=Kazuaki |date=2023-09-11 |title=Economists question the wisdom of Kishida's new minimum wage target |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/09/11/economy/new-minimum-wage-target/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

In 2023, it was predicted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Germany would eclipse Japan as the world's Number 3 economy.{{Cite web |last=Beattie |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-10-24 |title=Germany set to eclipse Japan as No. 3 economy in 2023, IMF says |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2023/10/24/economy/japan-gdp-biggest-economies-imf/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

Kishida set child care as his government's priority for the year 2023. He emphasized the potential consequences of child poverty and declining birth rates, and stated that his administration would increase monetary child benefits given to parents.{{Cite news |last=Takahara |first=Kanako |date=January 23, 2023 |title=In policy speech, Kishida puts focus on child care and defense |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/23/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-policy-speech-child-care-defense/ |url-status=dead |access-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204231737/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/23/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-policy-speech-child-care-defense/ |archive-date=4 February 2023}} Kishida announced a plan to double the country's children-related budget by June 2023, and instructed government ministers in the administration to outline child care plans by the end of March 2023.{{Cite news |last=Iizuka |first=Satoshi |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Japan PM Kishida's intention to raise sales tax in focus at Diet |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/53ef4c1af05b-focus-japan-pm-kishidas-intention-to-raise-sales-tax-in-focus-at-diet.html?phrase=foster%20care&words= |access-date=February 4, 2023}}{{Cite news |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Japan to Outline New Child Support Measures in March |work=Nippon.com |agency=Jiji Press |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023010600387/ |url-status=dead |access-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204231732/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023010600387/ |archive-date=4 February 2023}}

Kishida established the Children and Families Agency on 1 April 2023 to serve as a new administrative body within the Cabinet Office to tackle issues relating to child welfare.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=Japan sets date for launch of new children's agency |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/22/national/children-families-agency-start-date/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}} This includes nursery access, child allowances, the fight against child poverty, child abuse and suicide prevention, cyberbullying, and support for children with disabilities, all of which had been handled by different government agencies. On 1 June, the Japanese government set aside ¥3.5 trillion annually for child care.{{Cite web |last=Takahara |first=Kanako |date=2023-06-01 |title=Japanese government to set aside ¥3.5 trillion annually for child care |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/01/national/child-care-policy-budget/ |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}

Japan's child poverty rate declined to 11.5 percent by 2022. UNICEF ranked Japan eighth among 39 developed countries (OECD) in tackling child poverty in 2023.{{Cite news |date=2023-12-07 |title=Japan ranks 8th in tackling child poverty: UNICEF report |language=en |work=Mainichi Daily News |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231207/p2a/00m/0na/005000c |access-date=2024-01-01}} The media's response to Kishida's child care policies has been mixed, with The Guardian's Justin McCurry criticizing them as ineffective for not raising Japan's birth rate.{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=2023-01-24 |title=Japan PM's solution to dire birthrate has already been rejected by young |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/24/japan-birthrate-population-pm-solution-already-rejected-by-young |access-date=2024-01-01 |issn=0261-3077}}

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Japan}}

File:Fumio Kishida with leaders before the B3W event at COP26 (3).jpg in November 2021]]

In December 2021 amid COVID-19 spreading around the globe, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida announced that the government imposed tightening travel restrictions on international travelers, with some governments banning travel completely to curb transmission. By January 2022, Kishida urged Japanese people to get triple or fourth vaccinated amid the country enter the first wave of predominant Omicron COVID-19 virus, although the new state of emergency and new restrictions were both highly unlikely to fight record surge as of now.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

On 21 August 2022 amid the second Omicron infection surge, it was reported that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had tested positive for COVID-19 Omicron variant and he has experiencing "very mild" symptoms. On 22 August, in an online interview with a news company, Prime Minister Kishida will perform his official duties (while in quarantine) via telework from the Prime Minister's official residence. However, he emphasized that "I will continue to work remotely while undergoing medical treatment. I will also attend Cabinet meetings online. I will do my best to avoid delays in national politics." After completing his recuperation period on 31 August as he recovered from Omicron variant, Kishida entered the Prime Minister's Office and then returned to face-to-face duties.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

In September 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida announced that visa requirements from some countries would be waived from 11 October, in a move to reopen international travel after the pandemic border restrictions. Prior to the pandemic, Japan did not require tourist visas for 68 countries and regions.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}

On 20 January 2023 amid the third Omicron infection falls, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida announced that the government pledged to downgrade the legal status of COVID-19 to a Class 5 disease, the same level as a seasonal influenza, a move that would lead to a major shift in the pandemic border restrictions that have been in place for around three years. However, on 13 March, Kishida's government ended the request for citizens to wear face masks in public, a policy initiated to combat the spread of Omicron variant and its subsequent subvariants.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-13 |title=Masks stay put in Japan as 3-year request to wear them ends |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-masks-covid-e169a3a5635d14a7e8f5673646083b60 |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=AP News |language=en}} On 27 April, Kishida's Health Minister Katsunobu Katō announced that the government would downgrade the classification of COVID-19 to be on par with "seasonal flu" by midnight 8 May.{{Cite web |title=Japan to downgrade COVID-19 to flu level on May 8 |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Japan-to-downgrade-COVID-19-to-flu-level-on-May-8 |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506032827/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Japan-to-downgrade-COVID-19-to-flu-level-on-May-8 |url-status=dead }} Regarding COVID-19 measures, Kato said in a press conference that Omicron variant and its subsequent subvariants were cause of less severe disease and deaths (during the first 16-month period) than any previous strains, which indicate there is no need to worry about an increase of public health risks. As of result, daily announcements of COVID-19 Omicron cases will be officially ended so far. Although the public health reports will be simplified to weekly announcements based on information from designated medical institutions.

The media's response to Kishida's COVID policies has been mixed, with the Mainichi Shimbun warning that the COVID classification-downgrade could result in the "collapse" of Okinawa's medical system during a surge in June 2023.{{Cite news |date=2023-06-24 |title=COVID cases surge in Okinawa amid concern over possible medical system collapse |language=en |work=Mainichi Daily News |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230624/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |access-date=2024-01-01}}

{{Main|Discharge of radioactive water of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant}}

In April 2021, the government of Yoshihide Suga, Kishida's predecessor, announced that the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) would eventually begin to discharge stored and treated water from the dismantled Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, a process that would take 30 years.{{Cite news |date=2021-04-13 |title=Fukushima: Japan approves releasing wastewater into ocean |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56728068 |access-date=2023-09-02}} Kishida's government confirmed they would continue with the water release, in August 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=Japan's release of Fukushima treated water could start Thursday |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/21/japan/politics/kishida-fishermen-fukushima/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}} Proceeding the water dump, Kishida's government reached an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the levels of tritium in the stored water that would be discharged, and received a comprehensive report affirming the safety of the operation from Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's Secretary-General, in July 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-07 |title=IAEA DG Grossi in Japan, Presents Comprehensive Report on Fukushima Treated Water Release |url=https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/iaea-dg-grossi-in-japan-presents-comprehensive-report-on-fukushima-treated-water-release |access-date=2023-09-02 |publisher=International Atomic Energy Agency |language=en}} Later in August, Grossi stated that the levels of tritium were vastly below the safety standards recommended by the IAEA, and confirmed the water wasn't toxic.{{Cite web |title=Fukushima wastewater not toxic, says IAEA chief |url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/fukushima-wastewater-not-toxic-says-iaea-chief-2243316 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Today |language=en}} Before the dumping, the Ministry of Environment confirmed IAEA standards were being followed, and the levels of radioactive tritium in the water would remain below IAEA dilution regulations.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-27 |title=No Tritium Detected in Fukushima Seawater, Says Japan's Environment Ministry in First |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20230827-132452/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Japan News |publisher=Yomiuri Shimbun |language=en}} TEPCO announced that dumping had begun on 24 August 2023, beginning the discharge of the water. No errors were reported in the release.{{Cite web |last=Ninivaggi |first=Gabriele |date=2023-08-24 |title=Japan begins controversial release of treated Fukushima water |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/24/japan/fukushima-water-release/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

File:Kishida at fukushima.png, 20 August 2023.]]

Following the announcement of the water release, there was positive and negative feedback from both inside Japan and internationally. Domestic organizations, such as the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, were opposed to the plan. The strongest foreign backlash came from China, which was opposed to the dumping. The Chinese central government placed an outright ban on all Japanese fish products, which accounted for the largest of Japan's fish exports.{{Cite web |title=Japan PM unveils relief package for fishery sector amid China ban |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/7c151752e385-japan-to-unveil-relief-package-for-fishery-sector-amid-china-ban.html |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Kyodo News+}} China was heavily criticized for the ban, and was also accused of hypocrisy and spreading disinformation, as they had released nuclear waste water previously that contained significantly higher levels of tritium.{{Cite web |last=Yamaguchi |first=Mari |date=2023-08-25 |title=China bans seafood from Japan as Fukushima wastewater release begins |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9920138/china-japan-seafood-ban-fukushima/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825182353/https://globalnews.ca/news/9920138/china-japan-seafood-ban-fukushima/ |archive-date=2023-08-25 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Global News |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} In the days following the release, a number of phone calls regarding the water release from Chinese speakers were made harassing people, companies, and government agencies in Japan.{{Cite news |last1=Takenaka |first1=Kiyoshi |last2=Pollard |first2=Martin Quin |last3=Pollard |first3=Martin Quin |date=2023-08-28 |title=Japan complains of harassment calls from China over Fukushima water release |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-says-harassment-calls-china-regarding-fukushima-water-release-extremely-2023-08-28/ |access-date=2023-09-02}} Kishida said the calls were "deplorable", and appealed to China to urge its government to ask its citizens to stop the harassing calls.{{Cite web |title=Kishida says Fukushima water-linked harassment by China deplorable |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/c91627170446-japan-voices-concern-about-chinese-harassment-over-fukushima-water.html |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Kyodo News+}} The phone calls came as protests occurred in China, as well in South Korea and Japan.{{Cite news |last=Yim |first=Hyunsu |date=2023-09-01 |title=South Koreans worry about Fukushima water, more disapprove of Yoon, poll shows |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreans-worry-about-fukushima-water-more-disapprove-yoon-poll-2023-09-01/ |access-date=2023-09-02}} The Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory urging Japanese citizens to use caution in China, citing an escalation of harassments and violent protests. Sanae Takaichi, the Minister of State for Economic Security, said the government would consider filing a World Trade Organization complaint in response to the import bans imposed by China.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Japan hints at complaint to WTO over China's seafood import ban |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/29/japan/politics/china-import-ban-wto/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}} The United States affirmed their support for the water release; American ambassador Rahm Emanuel even visited Fukushima and ate seafood to demonstrate a show of support.{{Cite web |last=Crisp |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-08-31 |title=Rahm Emanuel eats sushi in support of Japan amid controversy over Fukushima water release |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/4179285-rahm-emmanuel-eats-sushi-in-support-of-japan-amid-controversy-over-fukushima-water-release/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}} In South Korea, various protest were held against the decision. However, the South Korean government did not oppose the plan, and President Yoon also ate seafood from Fukushima to encourage others that it was safe.{{Cite web |title=Yoon dines on seafood as Fukushima discharge divides South Korea |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Yoon-dines-on-seafood-as-Fukushima-discharge-divides-South-Korea |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en-GB}}

Through the early stages of the release, the Environment Ministry conducted numerous tests concerning the levels of tritium in the water as well as in the fish, and stated the levels remained low.{{Cite news |date=2023-08-27 |title=Japan says seawater radioactivity below limits near Fukushima |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-says-seawater-radioactivity-below-limits-near-fukushima-2023-08-27/ |access-date=2023-09-02}} The effects on the fish markets were expected to be severe, and Kishida promised to financially support local fisheries.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=Japanese government pledges long-term support for fisheries during Fukushima plant water release |url=https://apnews.com/article/fukushima-treated-water-release-fisheries-kishida-e92eef17dc64f949f8910da373801499 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=AP News |language=en}} On August 30, Kishida, along with three cabinet ministers, publicly ate fish sashimi from Fukushima in an effort to dispel fears of radioactive contamination.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-30 |title=Japanese ministers eat Fukushima fish to show it's safe after nuclear plant wastewater is discharged |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-fukushima-nuclear-wastewater-fish-fcb7498f38676192cce7e404277fc976 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=AP News |language=en}} He called it "safe and delicious".{{Cite web |date=2023-08-30 |title=Kishida eats 'safe and delicious' Fukushima fish |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/30/japan/kishida-fukushima-fish/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

{{See also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Fumio Kishida}}

File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the QUAD Leaders’ Family Photo, in Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 2022.jpg meeting with Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, US president Joe Biden and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi]]

In keeping with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific policy, Kishida has visited Quad nations such as India and Australia to ensure the status quo in the region remains unchanged.{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |title=Japan and Australia PMs to focus on closer military ties |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-australia-pms-focus-closer-military-ties-91725908 |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019130924/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-australia-pms-focus-closer-military-ties-91725908 |url-status=live }} Kishida has also visited nations in Europe, along with Canada and the United States, with Japan hosting the 49th G7 summit in May 2023.{{Cite web |title=[Official] G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023 |url=https://www.g7hiroshima.go.jp/en/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=G7広島サミット2023 |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128120856/https://www.g7hiroshima.go.jp/en/ |url-status=dead }} Kishida has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and visited Kyiv in a historic trip.{{Cite news |last1=Ogirenko |first1=Valentyn |last2=Takemoto |first2=Yoshifumi |date=2023-03-21 |title=In Ukraine to show solidarity, Japan's Kishida meets Zelenskiy, tours massacre site |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kishida-visit-ukraine-meet-zelenskiy-nhk-2023-03-21/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321043123/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kishida-visit-ukraine-meet-zelenskiy-nhk-2023-03-21/ |url-status=live }} In November 2022, he accused China of violating Japan's sovereignty in the East China Sea and criticized the persecution of Uyghurs in China of the Uyghur minority in China's Xinjiang province.{{cite news |title=Kishida tells Asia leaders China infringing on Japan's sovereignty |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kishida-tells-asia-leaders-china-infringing-japans-sovereignty-2022-11-13/ |work=Reuters |date=13 November 2022 |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113105506/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kishida-tells-asia-leaders-china-infringing-japans-sovereignty-2022-11-13/ |url-status=live }} Kishida supported Bangladesh's efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.{{cite news |title=Myanmar military's strategic engagement with Bangladesh-Japan-India's strategic troika |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/07/myanmar-militarys-strategic-engagement-with-bangladesh-japan-indias-strategic-troika/ |work=Pakistan Today |date=7 May 2023 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507205229/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/07/myanmar-militarys-strategic-engagement-with-bangladesh-japan-indias-strategic-troika/ |url-status=live }} Kishida attended the 2022 and the 2023 NATO summits in Spain and Lithuania.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-10 |title=Kishida arranging summit with Zelenskyy in Lithuania |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/10/national/kishida-zelenskyy-nato-summit/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710125518/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/10/national/kishida-zelenskyy-nato-summit/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, Kishida condemned Hamas' actions during the Gaza war and expressed his support to Israel and its right to self-defense.{{cite news |title=Japan faces dilemma over siding with US ally Israel as civilian casualties grow in Gaza |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231101/p2a/00m/0na/019000c |work=Mainichi Shimbun |date=1 November 2023 |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102021933/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231101/p2a/00m/0na/019000c |url-status=live }} In April 2024, he also condemned the Iranian strikes in Israel.{{cite news |title=Japan PM strongly condemns Iran attack on Israel, conflict escalation |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/54c7223f66fd-update1-japan-strongly-condemns-irans-attack-on-israel-foreign-minister.html |publisher=Kyodo News |date=14 April 2024 |access-date=14 April 2024 |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414102051/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/54c7223f66fd-update1-japan-strongly-condemns-irans-attack-on-israel-foreign-minister.html |url-status=live}}

{{See also|G7|49th G7 summit}}

File:20230521g7summit session8 "Ukraine" 03.jpg in Hiroshima, May 2023]]

Early in his tenure as PM, Kishida was seen as dovish on foreign policy and lukewarm about revising Japan's pacifist constitution.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2021 |title=Factbox: Possible candidates to become Japan's next prime minister |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/potential-candidates-become-japans-next-prime-minister-2021-09-03/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927222300/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/potential-candidates-become-japans-next-prime-minister-2021-09-03/ |archive-date=27 September 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=Reuters |language=en-US}} Following the political philosophy of his own faction, Kishida pledged a "humane diplomacy" based on the Peace Constitution, the Japan–U.S. alliance, and the Self-Defense Forces and that he will seek to strengthen Japan–U.S. relations and to promote the free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy while counterbalancing Chinese political assertiveness and military presence in the region. Regarding Chinese influence over Taiwan and Hong Kong, Kishida has stated that the Taiwan Strait may be the "next major diplomatic problem" following "China's clampdown on Hong Kong" and that Japan should seek more cooperation with Taiwan.{{Cite web |date=3 September 2021 |title=Fumio Kishida, top contender to lead Japan, warns Taiwan is 'next big problem' |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/03/national/politics-diplomacy/fumio-kishida-taiwan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928060724/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/03/national/politics-diplomacy/fumio-kishida-taiwan/ |archive-date=28 September 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}{{cite web | last1=Reynolds | first1=Isabel | last2=Nobuhiro | first2=Emi | title=Key Contender to Lead Japan Warns Taiwan Is 'Next Big Problem' | website=Bloomberg.com | date=2021-09-03 | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-03/top-contender-to-lead-japan-warns-taiwan-is-next-big-problem | access-date=2024-09-19}}

In May 2022, Kishida pledged to increase Japan's military spending with the goal of reaching the NATO target level of 2% of GDP.{{Cite book |last1=Ma |first1=Xinru |title=Beyond Power Transitions: The Lessons of East Asian History and the Future of U.S.-China Relations |last2=Kang |first2=David C. |date=2024 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-55597-5 |series=Columbia Studies in International Order and Politics |location=New York |pages=168}} Following this resolution by the cabinet, Kishida began a tour of members of the Group of Seven in January 2023. Kishida first met with President Emmanuel Macron of France on 9 January 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-09 |title=Japan PM in Paris to discuss Ukraine, climate, food security |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-france-government-japan-ukraine-fumio-kishida-a0dc1847489ad3829bd49c222733ec88 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111231727/https://apnews.com/article/politics-france-government-japan-ukraine-fumio-kishida-a0dc1847489ad3829bd49c222733ec88 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=AP News |language=en}} The following day, he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and agreed on a "strategic partnership".{{Cite web |date=2023-01-11 |title=Japan and Italy to launch talks to boost security ties |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/11/national/japan-italy-talks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111231727/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/11/national/japan-italy-talks/ |archive-date=11 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}} On 11 January 2023, Kishida met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, where the two signed a joint defence pact.{{Cite news |last=Smout |first=Alistair |date=2023-01-11 |title=Britain, Japan sign defence pact during PM Kishida visit to London |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/britain-japan-sign-defence-pact-during-pm-kishida-visit-london-2023-01-11/ |url-status=live |access-date=2023-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111230736/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/britain-japan-sign-defence-pact-during-pm-kishida-visit-london-2023-01-11/ |archive-date=11 January 2023}} The following day, Kishida met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa to discuss trade and other issues.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-12 |title=Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio |url=https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2023/01/12/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-meets-prime-minister-japan-kishida-fumio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200519/https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2023/01/12/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-meets-prime-minister-japan-kishida-fumio |archive-date=22 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=Prime Minister of Canada |language=en}} On 13 January, Kishida visited President Joe Biden of the United States in Washington, D.C.;{{Cite web |last=Mattingly |first=Phil |date=2023-01-14 |title=Japanese prime minister's visit highlights cornerstone of Biden foreign policy |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/14/politics/biden-kishida-japan-foreign-policy/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200522/https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/14/politics/biden-kishida-japan-foreign-policy/index.html |archive-date=22 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=CNN |language=en}} the previous day Japan's Foreign Minister and Defense Minister met with their American counterparts, where they affirmed the Japan-United States alliance remained unchanged.{{Cite web |date=11 January 2023 |title=Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, And Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu At a Joint Press Availability |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-japanese-foreign-minister-hayashi-yoshimasa-and-japanese-defense-minister-hamada-yasukazu-at-a-joint-press-availability/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200520/https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-japanese-foreign-minister-hayashi-yoshimasa-and-japanese-defense-minister-hamada-yasukazu-at-a-joint-press-availability/ |archive-date=22 January 2023 |access-date=14 January 2023 |website=state.gov}}

In 2023 Japan chaired the Group of Seven, with the 49th G7 summit being hosted in Hiroshima Prefecture in May of that year.{{Cite web |title=Launch of the G7 Hiroshima Summit Official Website |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press6e_000434.html |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=en |archive-date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104135148/https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press6e_000434.html |url-status=live }} As the host leader, Kishida invited various leaders from the "Global South", including Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.{{Cite web |last=Tanikawa |first=Kojiro |date=2023-03-21 |title=Japan to Invite Global South, South Korea to G7 Summit |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20230321-98706/ |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=The Japan News |publisher=Yomiuri Shimbun |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321165337/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20230321-98706/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=English translation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Press Statement at the Joint Press Meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/36378/english+translation+of+prime+minister+shri+narendra+modis+press+statement+at+the+joint+press+meeting+with+the+prime+minister+of+japan |access-date=2023-05-31 |publisher=Ministey of External Affairs, Government of India |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320224137/https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/36378/english+translation+of+prime+minister+shri+narendra+modis+press+statement+at+the+joint+press+meeting+with+the+prime+minister+of+japan |url-status=live }} With the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kishida also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.{{Cite news |last1=Inagaki |first1=Kana |last2=Miller |first2=Christopher |last3=Foy |first3=Henry |last4=Sevastopulo |first4=Demetri |date=2023-05-19 |title=Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to Arab League in Saudi Arabia en route to G7 |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/41399175-c097-46ab-8463-5d2b3fd2bcc2 |access-date=2023-05-31 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519045655/https://www.ft.com/content/41399175-c097-46ab-8463-5d2b3fd2bcc2 |url-status=live }} On 19 May 2023, Kishida and the other G7 leaders arrived at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where they paid respects and visited the museum.{{Cite web |title=Visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, and Tree-Planting Ceremony by the G7 Leaders |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/ms/g7hs_s/page1e_000672.html |access-date=2023-05-31 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519083323/https://www.mofa.go.jp/ms/g7hs_s/page1e_000672.html |url-status=live }} That day, the leaders also issued a joint statement on Ukraine, and affirmed their support for Ukraine and the rule of law.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-19 |title=G7 Leaders' Statement on Ukraine |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/19/g7-leaders-statement-on-ukraine/ |access-date=2023-05-31 |publisher=The White House |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519092749/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/19/g7-leaders-statement-on-ukraine/ |url-status=live }} The summit concluded on 21 May, and was ultimately considered a success by Kishida.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=William |date=2023-05-21 |title=G7: Ukraine dominates last day of 'successful' summit |url=https://www.dw.com/en/g7-ukraine-dominates-last-day-of-successful-summit/a-65690763 |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=Deutsche Welle |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521142540/https://www.dw.com/en/g7-ukraine-dominates-last-day-of-successful-summit/a-65690763 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Riding on G7 success, Japan PM Kishida eyes early election |url=https://wtvbam.com/2023/05/22/riding-on-g7-success-japan-pm-kishida-eyes-early-election/ |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=WTVB |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=

https://web.archive.org/web/20230531045820/https://wtvbam.com/2023/05/22/riding-on-g7-success-japan-pm-kishida-eyes-early-election/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Tachikawa |first=Tomoyuki |title=FOCUS: Japan's 'sherpa' key negotiator for G-7 summit success |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/d8406259adfb-focus-japans-sherpa-key-negotiator-for-g-7-summit-success.html |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=Kyodo News |archive-date=6 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506013142/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/d8406259adfb-focus-japans-sherpa-key-negotiator-for-g-7-summit-success.html |url-status=live }}

In April 2024 a change in defense policy was documented by Takeo Akiba in the Washington Post as an "epic shift in Japan’s defense posture". Kishida's national security advisor remarked that Japan was "in its most severe security environment since World War II", and several major initiatives had been developed as a result, such as the December 2022 National Security Strategy. Kishida, who was visiting President Biden in Washington at the time, had overseen the March 2024 "necessary measures to spend 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense, up from 1.2 percent" in 2022.{{cite news |title=Ahead of state visit, an 'epic' shift in Japan's defense posture |first=Takeo |last=Akiba |date=7 April 2024 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/07/japan-kishida-china-ukraine-akiba/ |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407154848/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/07/japan-kishida-china-ukraine-akiba/ |url-status=live }}

Kishida's cabinet has been "loosening traditional military constraints and beefing up its defense capabilities," and in July 2024 announced setting up a U.S.-Japan joint operational command, with the goal for the two militaries to operate "seamlessly".{{Cite news |last1=Nakashima |first1=Ellen |last2=Lee |first2=Michelle Ye Hee |date=2024-07-29 |title=U.S., Japan to unveil first steps toward enhanced military alliance |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/07/27/japan-us-joint-command-china/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} His cabinet has loosened military restrictions, by approving sales of arms overseas, and revising equipment and technology transfer rules to allow weapons "to be sold to countries other than the partners".{{Cite web |date=26 March 2024 |title=Japan approves plan to sell fighter jets to other nations |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15209920 |access-date=15 August 2024 |website=The Asahi Shimbun}} In July, Kishida stated to strengthen coordination with the NATO, including a joint Europe-Atlantic exercise.{{Cite web |date=11 July 2024 |title=Prime Minister Kishida Attends the NATO Summit |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/ep/pageite_000001_00446.html |access-date=15 August 2024 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan}}

In August 2024, Kishida urged LDP officials "to advance discussions on constitutional reform," stating that the role of the JSDF is "most important for the state".{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=7 August 2024 |title=Japan PM urges party debate on amending pacifist Constitution |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/08/36fec2f4d8a9-japan-pm-urges-party-debate-on-amending-pacifist-constitution.html |access-date=15 August 2024 |website=Kyodo News}}

{{See also|Russian invasion of Ukraine|2023 visit by Fumio Kishida to Ukraine}}

File:20230321ukraine 13.jpg]]On 24 February 2022, following the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kishida joined other leaders of the G7 nations in imposing economic sanctions on Russia. Kishida's proposed sanctions were much harsher than the largely symbolic sanctions imposed by the government of Shinzo Abe on Russia following the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea. Liberal Democratic Party leaders feared that a lackluster response by Japan to the invasion would result in a lack of support from Japan's European allies in the event of potential Chinese attack against Taiwan.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Michelle Ye Hee |title=Japan cautiously moves toward stern response to Russia after years of trying to improve relations |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/japan-russia-sanctions/ |access-date=Feb 24, 2022 |agency=The Washington Post|archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224182816/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/24/japan-russia-sanctions/ |url-status=live }} In March 2022, Kishida announced that Japan would accept Ukrainian refugees.{{cite news |title=Japan accepted over 2,300 Ukrainians last year. Is its refugee policy finally changing? |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/22/national/tokyo-refugee-policy/ |work=The Japan Times |date=22 February 2023 |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222105111/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/22/national/tokyo-refugee-policy/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2022 the Kishida government announced a $320 billion increase in military spending, due in part to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite news |title=Pacifist Japan unveils unprecedented $320bn military build-up |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/16/pacifist-japan-unveils-unprecedented-320bn-military-build-up |publisher=Al Jazeera Media Network |date=16 December 2022 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216100724/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/16/pacifist-japan-unveils-unprecedented-320bn-military-build-up |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Tim |last2=Murakami |first2=Sakura |title=Pacifist Japan unveils biggest military build-up since World War Two |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pacifist-japan-unveils-unprecedented-320-bln-military-build-up-2022-12-16/ |publisher=Reuters |date=December 16, 2022 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216092809/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pacifist-japan-unveils-unprecedented-320-bln-military-build-up-2022-12-16/ |url-status=live }} On January 14, 2023, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called for Kishida to commit "seppuku" after he and Joe Biden warned Russia against using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine.{{cite web |date=January 14, 2023 |title=Russia's ex-president Medvedev calls for Japan PM's ritual suicide |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/5e244ff38de3-russias-ex-president-medvedev-calls-for-japan-pms-ritual-suicide.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114130637/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/5e244ff38de3-russias-ex-president-medvedev-calls-for-japan-pms-ritual-suicide.html |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Kyodo News}}

In February 2023, Kishida said Japan would provide roughly $5.5 billion in aid to Ukraine during the invasion.{{Cite web |last1=Ogura |first1=Junko |last2=Jozuka |first2=Emiko |last3=Lendon |first3=Brad |date=2023-02-21 |title=Japan promises to 'lead the world' in fighting Russian aggression with $5.5 billion in Ukraine aid |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/20/asia/japan-ukraine-war-aid-five-billion-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=CNN |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221171100/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/20/asia/japan-ukraine-war-aid-five-billion-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }} Kishida invited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to a virtual meeting of G7 leaders, which was held on 24 February 2023, the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The G7 announced it would introduce "new coordinated economic actions" in efforts to support Ukraine.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-25 |title=G7 vows to strengthen coordinated sanctions on Russia over Ukraine |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/25/world/g7-virtual-summit/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224190725/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/25/world/g7-virtual-summit/ |url-status=live }} Kishida was the last G7 leader to visit Kyiv during the invasion; pressure grew for him to do so following Biden's visit in February 2023.{{Cite web |last=Ninivaggi |first=Gabriele |date=2023-02-22 |title=Kishida faces mounting pressure to visit Kyiv as only G7 leader yet to do so |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/22/national/politics-diplomacy/fumio-kishida-ukraine-trip-obstacles/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222090731/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/02/22/national/politics-diplomacy/fumio-kishida-ukraine-trip-obstacles/ |url-status=live }} On 21 March 2023, Kishida visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-21 |title=Japan PM Kishida arrives in Kyiv for talks with Zelenskiy |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kishida-visit-ukraine-meet-zelenskiy-nhk-2023-03-21/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |work=Reuters |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321043123/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-kishida-visit-ukraine-meet-zelenskiy-nhk-2023-03-21/ |url-status=live }} Kishida also visited Bucha in Ukraine's Kyiv Oblast, the site of a civilian massacre that was perpetrated by Russia.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-04 |title=Ukraine deputy minister praises Kishida's visit to Kyiv and Bucha |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/04/04/national/kishida-kyiv-bucha-ukraine-historic/ |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404151016/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/04/04/national/kishida-kyiv-bucha-ukraine-historic/ |url-status=live }} Kishida was praised for the visit, and said he was "outraged by the cruelty".{{Cite web |date=2023-03-21 |title='Outraged by the cruelty': Japan PM Kishida visits Bucha |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/03/21/japans-pm-kishida-in-ukraine-first-post-war-leader-to-go-to-a-war-zone |access-date=2023-05-10 |work=Euronews |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321100052/https://www.euronews.com/2023/03/21/japans-pm-kishida-in-ukraine-first-post-war-leader-to-go-to-a-war-zone |url-status=live }} In May 2023, Japan announced it would provide 100 military vehicles to the Ukrainian military.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Japan to provide 100 military vehicles to Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-ukraine-military-vehicles-f9c38c363defa96b9e72fd64021fc2f3 |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=AP News |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524121231/https://apnews.com/article/japan-ukraine-military-vehicles-f9c38c363defa96b9e72fd64021fc2f3 |url-status=live }} Kishida led G7 leaders in announcing a joint declaration of support for Ukraine, during the 2023 Vilinius summit for NATO.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-12 |title=Biden, G7 leaders announce joint declaration of support for Ukraine at NATO summit |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-biden-g7-leaders-nato-summit-support-zelenskyy/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=CBS News |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712144655/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-biden-g7-leaders-nato-summit-support-zelenskyy/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Indonesia–Japan relations}}

File:Fumio Kishida and Joko Widodo.jpg in Tokyo, July 2022.|left]]

On 27 July 2022 Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday he and President Joko Widodo had agreed during talks to cooperate in a variety of fields, including energy and maritime security. Japan also agreed to provide 43.6 billion yen ($318.25 million) in loans to Indonesia for use in infrastructure projects and disaster prevention, Reuters reported. At the outset of the meeting in Tokyo, Kishida told Jokowi that Japan hopes to work with Indonesia to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific region, a vision that Japan is pursuing amid China's rise. Jokowi, meanwhile, conveyed his condolences over the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month, saying the late former leader helped advance bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.{{cite news |title=Jokowi, Kishida agree on close cooperation in energy, infrastructure |agency=The Jakarta Post |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2022/07/27/jokowi-kishida-agree-on-close-cooperation-in-energy-infrastructure.html |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727034602/https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2022/07/27/jokowi-kishida-agree-on-close-cooperation-in-energy-infrastructure.html |url-status=live }}

On 14 November 2022 President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) commended Japan's support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency as well as for other concrete projects that have been established. PM Kishida also praised Jokowi for welcoming him to a side meeting ahead of the implementation of the G20 Summit to be held on 15–16 November. Regarding the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia in 2023, Kishida believes that the partnership between the two countries will continue to strengthen.{{cite news |first=Rangga J |last=Kenzu |editor-first=Rahmad |editor-last=Nasution |title=Jokowi, Kishida agree on close cooperation in energy, infrastructure |agency=ANTARA (Indonesian News Agency) |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/260141/jokowi-praises-japans-support-for-indonesias-g20-presidency |date=14 November 2022 |archive-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114094949/https://en.antaranews.com/news/260141/jokowi-praises-japans-support-for-indonesias-g20-presidency |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Canada–Japan relations|Japan–United States relations}}

File:20230112 canada c 03.jpg in Ottawa, January 2023.|right]]

File:Fumio Kishida visit to the United States 20240410 01.jpg in Washington D.C., April 2024.|right]]

Kishida sought on his visit to Canada in January 2023 to partner with what he saw as a resource-rich country but was rebuffed as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had spent his entire tenure on a quest to "de-carbonize" the Canadian economy and saw political advantage in an excise tax on the substance of life.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/kishida-trudeau-ottawa-visit-1.6711532 |title=Japanese PM Fumio Kishida visits Ottawa to discuss economy, trade, China and Russia |first=Murray |last=Brewster |work=CBC News |date=12 January 2023 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112153640/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/kishida-trudeau-ottawa-visit-1.6711532 |url-status=live}} In September 2023, Japan signed an electric vehicle supply chain agreement and a PMC cooperation with Canada.{{cite news |title=With sights set on China, Japan to make deal with Canada on EV supply chains |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-japan-ev-agreement-1.6971959 |date=20 September 2023 |work=CBC News |first=Janyce |last=McGregor |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920095509/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-japan-ev-agreement-1.6971959 |url-status=live}} When the two leaders met on the fringes of the APEC summit in November 2023, among other things they "reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression and discussed next steps in providing assistance".{{cite news |url=https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2023/11/16/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-meets-prime-minister-japan-kishida-fumio |title=Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio |work=Government of Canada |date=16 November 2023 |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117030747/https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2023/11/16/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-meets-prime-minister-japan-kishida-fumio |url-status=live}}

In April 2024, Kishida made a four-day state visit to the US, the fifth during the Biden administration. The leaders of the US, Japan and the Philippines on Thursday agreed to advance their defense and economic cooperation, in a move aimed at pushing back against China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region alongside Australia, India, Canada, and South Korea. US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Bongbong Marcos expressed "serious concerns" about China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions in the South China Sea in a statement released after the first-ever summit between leaders of the three countries, held in Washington D.C.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-philippines-kishida-biden-marcos-security-7196a2710bd39a07699ddff65cec09b0|work=AP News|title=What's expected at Japanese PM Kishida's US visit? A major upgrade in defense ties|date=8 April 2024|access-date=8 April 2024|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408095433/https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-philippines-kishida-biden-marcos-security-7196a2710bd39a07699ddff65cec09b0|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/469b2f38d1aa-update2-us-japan-philippine-leaders-to-forge-united-front-against-china.html|work=Kyodo News|title=U.S., Japan, Philippine leaders show united front against China|date=12 April 2024|access-date=12 April 2024|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412000832/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/469b2f38d1aa-update2-us-japan-philippine-leaders-to-forge-united-front-against-china.html|url-status=live}}

Kishida was invited to speak to the US Congress on 11 April 2024.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-prime-minister-congress-address-3c22f1b1e8d0003f27ade8789a8c4a43|work=AP News|title=Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses Congress amid skepticism about US role abroad|date=11 April 2024|access-date=11 April 2024|archive-date=11 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411042100/https://apnews.com/article/japan-prime-minister-congress-address-3c22f1b1e8d0003f27ade8789a8c4a43|url-status=live}}

{{See also|France–Japan relations}}

File:Fumio Kishida and Emmanuel Macron bilateral meeting at the G7 Hiroshima Summit (1).jpg at the 49th G7 summit in Hiroshima, May 2023.|left]]

On relations between Japan and France, both Kishida and French President Emmanuel Macron have taken steps to call security demands and counterterrorist measures, amid preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and marked the 165th anniversary of the bilateral relations.{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240328-france-asks-for-foreign-help-for-olympics-security-officials|work=France 24|title=France seeks help from allies to bolster security during Paris Olympics|date=28 March 2024|access-date=29 March 2024|archive-date=29 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329172438/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240328-france-asks-for-foreign-help-for-olympics-security-officials|url-status=live}} Both the countries condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Gaza war, which involved a defense pact friendly understanding between two countries. It aimed to settle territorial disputes and to encourage cooperation against perceived Iranian and Russian pressure during the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict.{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240419-israeli-missiles-hit-site-in-iran-abc-news-reports|work=France 24|title=World leaders urge restraint after suspected Israeli strikes on Iran|date=19 April 2024|access-date=19 April 2024|archive-date=19 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419032355/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240419-israeli-missiles-hit-site-in-iran-abc-news-reports|url-status=live}}

Following the state visit to France, Japan is planning to begin talks with France on a new security agreement to facilitate joint exercises and disaster relief operations, government sources for the incoming Olympics. Kishida pledged to take the lead in formulating global regulations on the appropriate use of generative AI technology through a new framework involving like-minded nations.{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/a4d59ef7e748-japan-france-to-agree-to-start-negotiations-on-new-security-pact.html|work=Kyodo News|title=Japan, France to agree to start negotiations on new security pact|date=1 May 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501185246/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/a4d59ef7e748-japan-france-to-agree-to-start-negotiations-on-new-security-pact.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/136525ee79f0-japan-pm-vows-to-lead-setting-up-intl-ai-rules-through-new-framework.html|work=Kyodo News|title=Japan PM vows to lead setting up int'l AI rules through new framework|date=2 May 2024|access-date=2 May 2024|archive-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502110020/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/136525ee79f0-japan-pm-vows-to-lead-setting-up-intl-ai-rules-through-new-framework.html|url-status=live}}

In a speech at a session of the OECD in Paris, Kishida expressed his appreciation for the launch earlier in the day of the grouping, which aims to bring more participants into the AI initiative agreed upon at the G7 summit he hosted last year. Following Mitsui Fudosan and Vinci SA signed the former Tsukiji fish market redevelopment project, which includes building a multi-purpose stadium and a new central business district alongside Shiodome.{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/f3a877ebed9d-stadium-eyed-in-6-bil-tsukiji-fish-market-site-redevelopment.html|work=Kyodo News|title=Stadium eyed in $6 billion Tsukiji fish market site redevelopment|date=2 May 2024|access-date=2 May 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501143426/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/f3a877ebed9d-stadium-eyed-in-6-bil-tsukiji-fish-market-site-redevelopment.html|url-status=live}}

On 2 May 2024, Kishida and Macron agreed to initiate negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement so the two countries can facilitate closer defense cooperation such as joint exercises and disaster relief operations. Japan has RAAs with Australia and the UK, enabling their defense forces to smoothly access each other's territory for diverse purposes. Additionally, it has agreed with the Philippines to initiate talks for such an accord. Japan and France have already signed separate deals to expand their security cooperation, including an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement which simplifies the process of sharing food, fuel and ammunition between their forces.{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/0899a7553cd5-kishida-macron-agree-to-start-negotiations-on-new-security-pact.html|work=Kyodo News|title=Kishida, Macron agree to start negotiations on new security pact|date=3 May 2024|access-date=3 May 2024|archive-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502225644/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/05/0899a7553cd5-kishida-macron-agree-to-start-negotiations-on-new-security-pact.html|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Japan–South Korea relations|Camp David Principles}}

File:20230316korea 24.jpg in 2023]]

On relations between Japan and South Korea, both Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol have taken steps to mend and expand ties, while attempting to settle historical issues stemming from World War II and the Japanese occupation of Korea.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-09 |title=South Korea, Japan to hold summit next week to expand ties |url=https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-summit-forced-labor-45ae78780ccbf7c8a75a99d1523dd059 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=AP News |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309102207/https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-summit-forced-labor-45ae78780ccbf7c8a75a99d1523dd0591 |url-status=live }} In remarks on 1 March 2023, Yoon said that Japan had gone from 'aggressor to partner'.{{Cite web |title=South Korea's Yoon says Japan changed from aggressor to partner |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/3d039138feed-s-koreas-yoon-says-japan-changed-from-aggressor-to-partner.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Kyodo News |archive-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301052257/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/3d039138feed-s-koreas-yoon-says-japan-changed-from-aggressor-to-partner.html |url-status=live }} On 16 March 2023 Kishida held a summit with Yoon in Tokyo to settle war time labor disputes, among other issues.{{Cite news |date=2023-03-07 |title=Japan PM wants summit with South Korea next week, says junior coalition party head |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-wants-summit-with-south-korea-next-week-says-junior-coalition-party-2023-03-07/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307105801/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-wants-summit-with-south-korea-next-week-says-junior-coalition-party-2023-03-07/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=South Korea President Yoon to visit Japan on March 16 amid improving ties |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/f41372772540-breaking-news-s-korean-president-yoon-to-visit-japan-on-march-16.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Kyodo News |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309105016/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/03/f41372772540-breaking-news-s-korean-president-yoon-to-visit-japan-on-march-16.html |url-status=live }}

On 7 May 2023, Kishida arrived in Seoul for a two-day trip to South Korea.{{Cite news |last1=Dolan |first1=David |last2=Yim |first2=Hyunsu |date=2023-05-02 |title=Japan PM Kishida to visit South Korea, meet Yoon on Sunday |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japanese-pm-plans-visit-south-korea-sunday-kyodo-says-2023-05-01/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502061450/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japanese-pm-plans-visit-south-korea-sunday-kyodo-says-2023-05-01/ |url-status=live }} The reciprocal trip was the first between leaders of Japan and South Korea in 12 years.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-07 |title=Japanese PM arrives in South Korea amid warming ties |language=en |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/07/japanese-pm-arrives-in-south-korea-amid-warming-ties |access-date=2023-05-07 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507060236/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/07/japanese-pm-arrives-in-south-korea-amid-warming-ties |url-status=live }} During his visit, Yoon said that the historical issues had to be "completely settled".{{Cite web |first=Tong-Hyung |last=Kim |date=2023-05-08 |title=Yoon, Kishida vow better Seoul-Tokyo ties following summit |url=https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-yoon-kishida-2451347b173896fd04ea633d7fe3986e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831000923/https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-yoon-kishida-2451347b173896fd04ea633d7fe3986e |archive-date=2023-08-31 |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=AP News |language=en}} While in Seoul, Kishida expressed sympathies to Koreans who lived under the Japanese Empire.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-07 |title=Japan leader expresses sympathy for Korean colonial victims |url=https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-yoon-kishida-history-135badc84df0b545f44edcb2b86921fe |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=AP News |archive-date=7 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507091023/https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-japan-yoon-kishida-history-135badc84df0b545f44edcb2b86921fe |url-status=live }} Kishida was criticized by some in South Korea for not directly apologizing during the meeting.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-08 |title=유승민 '기시다 총리 과거사 발언...진정성 사과 아냐' |url=https://www.newsfreezone.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=467029 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512042514/https://www.newsfreezone.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=467029 |archive-date=2023-05-12 |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=News Free Zone |language=ko}} The meetings were praised by US President Joe Biden, calling it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership" between both nations.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-05 |title=Statement from President Joe Biden on Japan-ROK Announcement |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/05/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-japan-rok-announcement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819135415/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/05/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-japan-rok-announcement/ |archive-date=2023-08-19 |access-date=2023-05-31 |publisher=The White House |language=en-US}}

Kishida invited President Yoon to attend the 49th G7 summit in Hiroshima as an invitee. President Biden also invited Kishida and Yoon to meet in Washington, D.C., during the G7 Hiroshima summit for further talks.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-21 |title=Biden invites Kishida, Yoon to meet in Washington |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-invited-kishida-yoon-meet-washington-us-official-2023-05-21/ |access-date=2023-05-31 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521101740/https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-invited-kishida-yoon-meet-washington-us-official-2023-05-21/ |url-status=live }} Kishida met with Yoon and Biden on 18 August during a historic summit hosted by Biden at Camp David in the United States. The three announced the Camp David Principles, a set of strategies to counter the influence of China, North Korea, and Russia as well as limit the risk of economic disruptions in the future.{{Cite news |last1=Hunnicutt |first1=Trevor |last2=Shin |first2=Hyonhee |date=2023-08-18 |title=Major takeaways from US, Japan, South Korea summit |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/major-takeaways-us-japan-south-korea-summit-2023-08-18/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818201959/https://www.reuters.com/world/major-takeaways-us-japan-south-korea-summit-2023-08-18/ |url-status=live }} All three nations agreed to further expand military ties, which involved intelligence sharing, annual military drills, and a wider security pact.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-18 |title=US, Japan and South Korea agree to expand security ties at summit amid China, North Korea worries |url=https://apnews.com/article/camp-david-summit-biden-south-korea-japan-0bc36bb3705a3dc1b69dc8cd47b35dd3 |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=AP News |archive-date=18 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818135940/https://apnews.com/article/camp-david-summit-biden-south-korea-japan-0bc36bb3705a3dc1b69dc8cd47b35dd3 |url-status=live }} Biden again praised both leaders for their "...political courage... to work together."{{Cite web |title=Japan, South Korea, U.S. Strengthen Trilateral Cooperation |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3498451/japan-south-korea-us-strengthen-trilateral-cooperation/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FNews-Stories%2FArticle%2FArticle%2F3498451%2Fjapan-south-korea-us-strengthen-trilateral-cooperation%2F |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901011035/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3498451/japan-south-korea-us-strengthen-trilateral-cooperation/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FNews-Stories%2FArticle%2FArticle%2F3498451%2Fjapan-south-korea-us-strengthen-trilateral-cooperation%2F |url-status=dead }} The summit additionally reaffirmed a shared goal of a "free and open Indo-Pacific", a concept first introduced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2016.{{Cite web |title=Japan: The Legacy Of Japan's Longest Serving Prime Minister |url=https://www.hoover.org/research/japan-legacy-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Hoover Institution |language=en |archive-date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729224502/https://www.hoover.org/research/japan-legacy-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister |url-status=live }} During the summit, Kishida also promised Biden $2 million in relief aid for the wildfires in Hawaii.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-17 |title=Japan to give Hawaii $2 million in aid after deadly wildfires |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/17/japan/hawaii-fire-japan-aid/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817070815/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/17/japan/hawaii-fire-japan-aid/ |url-status=live }} The summit was a first of its kind and was hailed as the beginning of a new era by the US.{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=2023-08-17 |title=US promises 'new era' as Biden prepares to host first summit with Japan and South Korea |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/17/us-promises-new-era-as-biden-prepares-to-host-first-summit-with-japan-and-south-korea |access-date=2023-09-01 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=17 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817042855/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/17/us-promises-new-era-as-biden-prepares-to-host-first-summit-with-japan-and-south-korea |url-status=live }}

In 2024, it was reported that Kishida was seeking a meeting with high level North Korean officials. A direct meeting between Kishida and Kim Jong Un would be the first of its kind in over twenty years. Kishida had previously stated in May 2023 that "I am determined to face Kim Jong Un directly myself, without any preconditions," and settle the issue of the North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens. Hopes for the summit were buoyed by North Korean condolences after the 2024 Noto earthquake. Such plans are considered to be highly controversial in South Korea, particularly with president Yoon Suk Yeol, who has taken a hardline stance on North Korea compared to former president Moon Jae-in. It was also said that the plans were an attempt to boost Kishida's domestic popularity, which had been in decline.{{cite web |last1=Feng |first1=John |title=Operation BlueWatch: US Ally Plans Rare Talks With North Korea's Kim Jong Un |url=https://www.newsweek.com/japan-kishida-fumio-plans-meeting-north-korea-kim-jong-un-1869748 |website=Newsweek |date=14 February 2024 |access-date=14 February 2024 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214113941/https://www.newsweek.com/japan-kishida-fumio-plans-meeting-north-korea-kim-jong-un-1869748 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sevastopulo |first1=Demetri |title=Japan's PM Fumio Kishida seeks summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ac923f3a-b6d6-4de2-bd21-01e18f9806ce |newspaper=Financial Times |date=13 February 2024 |access-date=14 February 2024 |archive-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213202749/https://www.ft.com/content/ac923f3a-b6d6-4de2-bd21-01e18f9806ce |url-status=live }}

File:Kishida Ruto May 2023.jpg, 2 May 2023]]

Kishida has attempted to deepen ties between Japan and African nations, while also promoting peace and stability in the region. In August 2022, while addressing a summit in Tunisia, Kishida promised $30 billion in aid for the development of African countries for the next 3 years.{{Cite news |date=2022-08-27 |title=Japan pledges $30 billion in African aid at Tunis summit |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/japan-pm-kishida-tokyo-will-provide-30-bln-aid-africa-over-three-years-2022-08-27/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827155845/https://www.reuters.com/world/japan-pm-kishida-tokyo-will-provide-30-bln-aid-africa-over-three-years-2022-08-27/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-08-27 |title=Japan will provide US$30 billion in aid to Africa as China, Russia loom |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3190413/japans-kishida-promises-us30-billion-aid-over-next-3-years-africa |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=South China Morning Post |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827105724/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3190413/japans-kishida-promises-us30-billion-aid-over-next-3-years-africa |url-status=live }}

Later on 30 April 2023, Kishida began an African tour and visited the League of Arab States based in Egypt, and met with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi; Kishida offered a yen loan to fund a metro line project in Cairo.{{Cite web |title=Japan-Egypt Summit Meeting and Luncheon Meeting (Summary) |url=https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/diplomatic/202304/30summit.html |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Prime Minister's Office of Japan |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502160133/https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/diplomatic/202304/30summit.html |url-status=live }} The next day on 1 May, Kishida visited Ghana. During a meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo, Kishida emphasized the importance of Japanese investment in the country, and bilateral relations in the international arena.{{Cite web |title=Japan-Ghana Summit Meeting (Summary) |url=https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202305/01summit.html |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Prime Minister's Office of Japan |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509021950/https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/statement/202305/01summit.html |url-status=live }} Ghana and Japan both agreed to pursue reforms in the UN Security Council as well.{{Cite web |title=Japan and Ghana aligned in the pursuit of reforms at the UN Security Council |url=http://www.africanews.com/2023/05/02/japan-and-ghana-aligned-in-the-pursuit-of-reforms-at-the-un-security-council/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Africanews |date=2 May 2023 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502133329/http://www.africanews.com/2023/05/02/japan-and-ghana-aligned-in-the-pursuit-of-reforms-at-the-un-security-council/ |url-status=live }} While in Ghana, Kishida pledged $500 million in more financial aid to Africa, in perceived contrast from China's Belt and Road Initiative in the continent.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-02 |title=Kishida pledges to provide $500 million in financial support for Africa |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/02/national/kishida-ghana-financial-support/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502065449/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/02/national/kishida-ghana-financial-support/ |url-status=live }} On 3 May, Kishida arrived in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. He met with Kenyan President William Ruto, who agreed to deepen cooperation and to bolster economic and energy ties.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=Japanese and Kenyan leaders agree to boost economic and energy cooperation |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/04/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-kenya-ruto/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=The Japan Times |archive-date=4 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504030650/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/04/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-kenya-ruto/ |url-status=live }} The two condemned Russian invasion of Ukraine, and reiterated their desire for a peaceful Indo-Pacific.{{Cite web |title=Japan, Kenya leaders agree to boost economic, energy cooperation |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/e44fee7852d3-japan-kenya-leaders-agree-to-boost-economic-energy-cooperation.html |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Kyodo News |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503143309/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/e44fee7852d3-japan-kenya-leaders-agree-to-boost-economic-energy-cooperation.html |url-status=live }} Kishida announced that Japan would continue to give assistance for infrastructure in Kenya. Ruto and Kishida signed an agreement allowing Kenyans to access jobs in Japan, bolstering economic relations.{{Cite web |title=Japan PM Kishida in Kenya, meets President Ruto |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/03/japan-pm-kishida-in-kenya-meets-president-ruto/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Africanews |date=3 May 2023 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503183423/https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/03/japan-pm-kishida-in-kenya-meets-president-ruto/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Assassination of Shinzo Abe|Second Kishida Cabinet#First reshuffled cabinet}}

File:State Funeral of Shinzo Abe 20220927 (2).jpg|250x250px]]

After the assassination of Shinzo Abe on 8 July 2022, Kishida condemned the assassination,{{Cite web |title='Absolutely unforgiveable': Japan PM Kishida strongly condemns shooting of Shinzo Abe |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/shinzo-abe-shooting-grave-condition-japan-pm-kishida-condemns-unforgiveable-2796271 |date=2022-07-08 |website=CNA |language=en |access-date=10 August 2022 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200516/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/shinzo-abe-shooting-grave-condition-japan-pm-kishida-condemns-unforgiveable-2796271 |url-status=live }} but refused to suspend political campaigning so as to demonstrate that democracy would not be impeded by violence. He later blamed insufficient police protection for allowing the murder to occur.{{Cite web |first=Mari |last=Yamaguchi |title=Japan PM blames police for death of former leader Shinzo Abe |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-pm-blames-police-death-leader-shinzo-abe-86800698 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=ABC News |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714104450/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-pm-blames-police-death-leader-shinzo-abe-86800698 |url-status=live }} Because of media reports on the ties between the LDP and the Unification Church, a Korean cult accused of scamming Japanese followers (including the suspect's mother) out of much of their wealth, Kishida reshuffled his Cabinet on 10 August 2022, which included removing Abe's brother, Nobuo Kishi, from the role of Minister of Defense.{{Cite web |title=Japan PM revamps Cabinet to reverse flagging public support |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/ee92908726d4-japan-pm-to-reshuffle-cabinet-ldp-leadership-as-public-support-slips.html |date=2022-08-10 |website=Kyodo News |access-date=10 August 2022 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200519/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/ee92908726d4-japan-pm-to-reshuffle-cabinet-ldp-leadership-as-public-support-slips.html |url-status=live }} Taro Kono was made the Minister of Digital Affairs. While the majority of members of the LDP, including Shinzo Abe and Nobuo Kishi, were related to the church to various degrees, there were no evidences of Kishida having any direct tie with the church or any of its affiliated entities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/podcast/unification-church-kishida/ |title=Lycoris Revolt: The Church, the State and Kishida's headache |work=The Japan Times |date=2022-12-07 |access-date=2022-12-14 |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214064340/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/podcast/unification-church-kishida/ |url-status=live}} However, it was reported in the 1 September issue of Shūkan Bunshun that {{ill|Mineo Nakayama|ja|中山峰男}}, the president of a Kumamoto circle for backing Kishida's bid for the premiership, was also a chairperson of a Unification Church-affiliated group which was advocating for building the Japan-Korea Undersea Tunnel. Both Kishida and Nakayama denied any knowledge of the tunnel advocacy group being related to the Unification Church.{{Cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0146b8d2f558a6f43c02e1475ee9c1dddd9980e6 |title=「憤り感じる」「学生に教会の勧誘が及ばないように」岸田総理の後援会長 崇城大・中山学長が会見 |work=Abema Times |date=2022-08-24 |access-date=2022-08-28 |language=ja |archive-date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905084318/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0146b8d2f558a6f43c02e1475ee9c1dddd9980e6 |url-status=live}}

On 4 December 2023, Kishida denied having knowledge about the involvement of Newt Gingrich and {{ill|Masayoshi Kajikuri|ja|梶栗正義}} with the Unification Church during a meeting in October 2019, arranged by Abe. Gingrich, the former US House Speaker, is also known as a strong supporter of the Unification Church. On the other hand, Kajikuri is the chairman of numerous organizations associated with the church.{{Cite web

|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231204_09/

|title=Japan PM Kishida: No knowledge of meeting ex-Unification Church affiliate head |work=NHK World |date=2023-12-04 |access-date=2023-12-05 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205045807/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231204_09/ |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRD47CZHRD4UTIL00D.html |last1=沢 |first1=伸也 |last2=高島|first2=曜介 |script-title=ja:米国の旧統一教会元会長も同席か 岸田氏面会時とみられる写真も |work=Asahi Shimbun |date=2023-12-05 |access-date=2023-12-05 |language=ja |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204214412/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASRD47CZHRD4UTIL00D.html |url-status=live}} Kajikuri was known to have invited Abe to a 2021 online conference held by one of the fronts of the church, Universal Peace Federation, and that particular appearance is cited as one of the major reasons that drove a church victim, Tetsuya Yamagami, into assassinating Abe in July 2022.{{Cite web |url=https://bunshun.jp/bungeishunju/articles/h3789?ref=fullRecommend |first=Eight |last=Suzuki |author-link=Eight Suzuki |script-title=ja:《ロング･バージョン映像》勝共連合会長が安倍元首相とのビデオ出演交渉の裏話を激白 |work=Bunshun Online |date=2022-07-30 |access-date=2023-12-13 |language=ja |quote=今年4月、この「ビデオメッセージ」を見たのが山上徹也容疑者だ。この安倍氏の姿を見て、「殺すしかない」と暗殺の決意を固めたと供述している。|trans-title=After watching Abe's video message in April 2022, suspect Tetsuya Yamagami testified that he was determined to assassinate Abe. |archive-date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213115006/https://bunshun.jp/bungeishunju/articles/h3789?ref=fullRecommend |url-status=live}}

{{Main|Attempted assassination of Fumio Kishida}}

{{See also|2023 Japan by-elections}}File:Fumio Kishida's press conference the day after attacked (cropped).jpg

On 15 April 2023, a man threw a cylindrical explosive device at Kishida shortly before he was due to make a campaign speech in Wakayama. The device exploded after a short delay during which Kishida was evacuated from the scene unharmed. Ryuji Kimura, a 24-year-old man from Hyogo Prefecture, was arrested at the scene, with cameras showing him holding what appeared to be a second cylindrical object as he was tackled to the ground. The incident took place as Kishida was talking with a candidate of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party just before his scheduled speech. Kishida immediately left by car after the incident and continued with his stump speech elsewhere in the city. He stated at an event later in the day that "elections are a bedrock of democracy," adding that it was extremely unforgivable that such violence took place.{{Cite web |title=Japan PM Kishida unhurt after explosion during campaigning |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/cd6c270d9b57-urgent-japan-pm-kishida-unhurt-after-smoke-bomb-thrown-during-stump-speech.html |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=Kyodo News |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415030308/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/04/cd6c270d9b57-urgent-japan-pm-kishida-unhurt-after-smoke-bomb-thrown-during-stump-speech.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |first1=Emi |last1=Jozuka |first2=Junko |last2=Ogura |date=2023-04-15 |title=Man arrested after explosion prompts evacuation of Japanese leader Fumio Kishida from speech venue |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/14/asia/kishida-evacuated-japan-explosion-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=CNN |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415032851/https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/14/asia/kishida-evacuated-japan-explosion-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}} Kimura was indicted by Wakayama prosecutors on 7 September 2023 for attempted murder, among other charges{{Cite web |date=2023-09-06 |title=Man charged over attempt to assassinate Japanese prime minister |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/fumio-kishida-assassination-attempt-japan-b2406322.html |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=The Independent |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907022340/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/fumio-kishida-assassination-attempt-japan-b2406322.html |url-status=live}} and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment on 19 February 2025.{{Cite web |date=19 February 2025 |title=Man jailed for attempted murder of former Japan PM |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrxlnpeyx5o |access-date=19 February 2025 |website=BBC |language=en}}

{{main|2023–2024 Japanese slush fund scandal}}

After news leaked in December of a slush fund scandal involving several Abe faction ministers and senior party leaders, including Yasutoshi Nishimura and Kōichi Hagiuda, Kishida sacked several of his own ministers involved in the scandal, including Nishimura along with Hirokazu Matsuno and a group of other Abe faction members. Along with this, further members of the faction resigned from their posts in the House of Representatives. It is believed that the Abe faction hid away over 500 million yen worth of money over five years. Kishida pledged to "work like a ball of fire" to regain public trust after news broke.{{cite web |last1=Kuhn |first1=Anthony |title=Party bosses fall in Japan's worst political corruption scandal in decades |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/12/22/1221230635/japan-alleged-political-corruption-ldp-slush-fund |website=npr.org |publisher=NPR |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222171251/https://www.npr.org/2023/12/22/1221230635/japan-alleged-political-corruption-ldp-slush-fund |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Japan ruling party LDP replaces 2 execs amid political fundraising scandal |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/526c43d74a4e-urgent-japan-ruling-ldp-replaces-2-execs-amid-political-fundraising-scandal.html |website=english.kyodonews.net |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=3 January 2024 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222062224/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/526c43d74a4e-urgent-japan-ruling-ldp-replaces-2-execs-amid-political-fundraising-scandal.html |url-status=live}} Kishida also announced his resignation as the head of Kōchikai and announced he will leave the faction while he serves as premier.{{Cite news |date=7 December 2023 |title=Japan PM Kishida resigns as ruling party faction head amid funds scandal |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/a099981d2e63-urgent-japan-pm-kishida-set-to-resign-as-ruling-party-faction-leader-source.html |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=Kyodo News |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103143/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/12/a099981d2e63-urgent-japan-pm-kishida-set-to-resign-as-ruling-party-faction-leader-source.html |url-status=live}} In mid-January, it was revealed that Kishida's own faction, the Kōchikai, failed to declare 30 million yen in fundraising from parties over a three-year period. Kishida told the media it was a result of "clerical errors". Kishida is not expected to face prosecution for the error.{{cite web |title=Prosecutors to build Kishida faction case over LDP funds scandal |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240118/p2g/00m/0na/012000c |website=mainichi |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |access-date=18 January 2024 |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118041950/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240118/p2g/00m/0na/012000c |url-status=live}}

Despite public belief hitting 91% that the LDP and Kishida would not undertake any change, the Prime Minister made an announcement at which he pledged to dissolve his own faction and announced support for other factions of the LDP to be dissolved as well. The Abe faction followed shortly over. However, Kishida's pledge did not gain party-wide support, Shikōkai, the third largest-grouping inside the party led by former Prime Minister Tarō Asō, and Heisei Kenkyūkai, led by LDP General Secretary Toshimitsu Motegi, defied Kishida's will and did not disband.{{cite web |title=Aso to keep faction as Japan ruling party grilled over funds scandal |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/6a634414efce-aso-to-keep-faction-as-japan-ruling-party-grilled-over-funds-scandal.html |website=Kyodonews |publisher=Kyodo News |access-date=20 January 2024 |archive-date=20 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120162244/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/01/6a634414efce-aso-to-keep-faction-as-japan-ruling-party-grilled-over-funds-scandal.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Bosack |first1=Michael |title=Mired in scandal, the LDP chips away at its factions |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2024/01/22/japan/ldp-factions-dissolved-reform/ |website=Japantimes |date=22 January 2024 |publisher=Japan Times |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122122341/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2024/01/22/japan/ldp-factions-dissolved-reform/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Biggest faction in Japan's ruling party decides to disband: lawmaker |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Biggest-faction-in-Japan-s-ruling-party-decides-to-disband-lawmaker |website=asia.nikkei |publisher=Nikkei Asia |access-date=22 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119154049/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Biggest-faction-in-Japan-s-ruling-party-decides-to-disband-lawmaker |url-status=live}} Both Aso and Motegi stated their intention to turn both of their factions into policy groups in late January.{{cite web |title=Aso says he'll maintain LDP faction as 'policy group' |url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/ex-japan-pm-aso-vows-to-maintain-ldp-faction-as-policy-group |website=japantoday |date=28 January 2024 |publisher=Japan Today |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127211747/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/ex-japan-pm-aso-vows-to-maintain-ldp-faction-as-policy-group |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Motegi Says His LDP Faction Will Transform into New Policy Group |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024012900856/ |website=nippon |publisher=Jiji Press |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201154219/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024012900856/ |url-status=dead }} Kishida has also come under fire for Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Masahito Moriyama ties to the Unification Church, the same group which dogged Kishida's approvals early on in his term. Moriyama was unable to recall his ties to the Church and if he had received funding from them before the 2021 general election. Despite calls to fire him, Kishida has refused{{cite web |last1=Sasagawa |first1=Shohei |title=Kishida under pressure to fire education chief Moriyama |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15155220 |website=asahi |publisher=Asashi Shimbun |access-date=13 February 2024 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208083018/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15155220 |url-status=live}} and Moriyama survived the no confidence vote on 20 February 2024.{{Cite web |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS2N4DVWS2NUTFK001.html |script-title=ja:盛山文科相の不信任決議案を否決 信頼回復「名案あれば教えて」|work=Asahi Shimbun |date=2024-02-20 |access-date=2024-03-28 |language=ja |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220073537/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASS2N4DVWS2NUTFK001.html |url-status=live}}

Kishida and his LDP lost all three seats up for election in the 2024 Japan by-elections, which were previously held by LDP members or LDP affiliated independents. He denied he would step down after results came in.{{Cite web |title=Japan's leader denies he will step down over election defeat |date=May 2024 |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/01/japans-leader-denies-he-will-step-down-over-election-defeat-00155390 |publisher=Politico |access-date=3 May 2024 |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503135552/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/01/japans-leader-denies-he-will-step-down-over-election-defeat-00155390 |url-status=live}}

{{See also|2024 Liberal Democratic Party (Japan) presidential election}}

On 14 August 2024, Kishida announced that he would no longer seek another term as president of the LDP in elections due in September, which would also effectively end his tenure as prime minister.{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Michelle Ye Hee |last2=Inuma |first2=Julia Mio |date=2024-08-14 |title=Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will step down next month |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/13/japan-prime-minister-fumio-kishida/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Kishida said that he was withdrawing in order for the party to have an “open contest to promote debate” and "to show the people that the LDP is changing".{{Cite news |title=Japan PM Fumio Kishida announces he will step down in September |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/14/japan-pm-fumio-kishida-stepping-down-september |work=The Guardian |access-date=14 August 2024 |last1=McCurry |first1=Justin }} In the LDP leadership election Kishida initially endorsed Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, then in the second round he whipped votes for Shigeru Ishiba who defeated Takaichi Sanae to become the next party leader and prime minister.{{cite web |title=From NTV: Prime Minister Kishida reportedly could not stomach the possibility of Takaichi Sanae becoming Japan's next leader, and told various lawmakers to support Ishiba Shigeru in the LDP leadership election. |url=https://twitter.com/mrjeffu/status/1839840099913347509 |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=X |publisher=Nippon Television}}{{cite web |last1=Goto |first1=Kenji |title=後藤謙次氏 自民党総裁選、決選投票で石破氏逆転の舞台裏解説 麻生時代は終わった？「事実上…」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/09/27/kiji/20240927s00041000361000c.html |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=sponichi |publisher=Sports Nippon}}

File:Cabinet Approval for the Kishida Cabinet (2021-Present).svg

In early November 2023, a Jiji Press survey showed his cabinet's approval rating falling to 21.3%, the lowest since Tarō Asō in 2008.{{cite web |title=Kishida is in trouble, but he'll survive — for now |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/editorials/2023/11/24/kishida-troubles/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=The Japan Times |date=24 November 2023 |publisher=Japan Times |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124180547/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/editorials/2023/11/24/kishida-troubles/ |url-status=live}} It further fell to 17.1% in December.{{cite web |last1=Sugiyama |first1=Satoshi |title=Japan PM Kishida's cabinet approval hits record low at 17.1% - Jiji |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kishidas-cabinet-approval-hits-record-low-171-jiji-2023-12-14/ |access-date=18 December 2023 |website=Jiji |publisher=Reuters |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214124616/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kishidas-cabinet-approval-hits-record-low-171-jiji-2023-12-14/ |url-status=live}} Despite his attempts at reform during the slush fund scandal, polls report his cabinet's approval rating as low as 25%, with only 1% of people polled highly approving of his response, and 4% approving highly of his reforms.{{cite web |title=NHK poll: Kishida Cabinet approval rate dips slightly to 25% |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240213_25/ |website=nhk |access-date=13 February 2024 |archive-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213200714/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240213_25/ |url-status=dead}} A Mainichi Shimbun poll in mid-February highlighted his approval rating at 14%, only .6% better than Tarō Asō shortly before the landside DPJ victory in 2009, which also served as the worst modern recorded approval rating.{{cite web |title=自民支持率16％、自公政権下最低に 裏金問題など直撃 世論調査 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240218/k00/00m/010/111000c |website=mainichi |publisher=Mainichi Shimbun |lang=ja |access-date=18 February 2024 |archive-date=18 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218092349/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240218/k00/00m/010/111000c |url-status=live}} Jiji displayed his approval rating at 16.6%, the lowest tabulated for him from Jiji, with a clear majority stating dissatisfaction for the punishments distributed due to the slush fund scandal.{{cite web |title=内閣支持１６．６％、過去最低更新 裏金処分「軽い」５割超―時事世論調査 | date=11 April 2024 |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2024041100763&g=pol |publisher=Jiji Press |lang=ja |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-date=11 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411063405/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2024041100763&g=pol |url-status=live}}

{{See also|New Form of Capitalism}}

From 2012 to 2023, Kishida served as the leader of the moderate Kōchikai faction.{{Cite journal|date=31 December 2011|title=Kochikai of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party and Its Evolution After the Cold War|url=https://www.kjis.org/journal/view.html?spage=179&volume=9&number=2|access-date=28 September 2021|journal=Korean Journal of International Studies|volume=9|issue=2|pages=179–205|language=en-US|last1=Zakowski|first1=Karol|archive-date=28 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162942/https://www.kjis.org/journal/view.html?spage=179&volume=9&number=2|url-status=live}} and has been described as a moderate conservative{{cite news |date=29 September 2021 |title=Japan's new prime minister Fumio Kishida vows to be tough on China but 'courteous' at home |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/fumio-kishida-becomes-japan-s-new-prime-minister-k7mc8ktxc |access-date=21 February 2023 |quote=Fumio Kishida, a moderate conservative with a stern view of China's growing military assertiveness, will be Japan's new prime minister, after easily winning the election to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.}} and a centrist politician.{{Cite web|title=What to watch for in Japan's leadership vote Wednesday|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/what-watch-japans-leadership-vote-wednesday-2021-09-29/|date=29 September 2021|access-date=7 October 2021|work=Reuters|first=Antoni|last=Slodkowski|quote=Four candidates are in the running to lead the Liberal Democratic Party, including the popular vaccine minister Taro Kono, 58, and the centrist ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida.|archive-date=13 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013214051/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/what-watch-japans-leadership-vote-wednesday-2021-09-29/|url-status=live}} However, he is a member of the ultranationalist far-right organization Nippon Kaigi.{{cite web |date=4 September 2014 |title=Abe's reshuffle promotes right-wingers |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2994558 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126060847/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aId=2994558 |archive-date=26 January 2019 |access-date=15 October 2021 |work=Korea JoongAng Daily}}

In the Diet he is president of the parliamentary league for Public Interest Capitalism{{Cite web |date=13 February 2022 |title=首相の指南役･原氏が提唱する公益資本主義とは |url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/510588 |website=Toyo Keizai |language=ja}} and the parliamentary league to Create a New Capitalism,{{Cite web |title=自民・岸田氏、｢新たな資本主義を創る議連」発足 方向性は定まらず |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20210611/k00/00m/010/281000c |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Mainichi Shimbun |language=ja}} and is a founding member of the "Realization of Selective Surnames System" Diet group which has the aim of allowing married couples to keep different surnames if they wish.{{cite news |date=19 March 2021 |title=「選択的別姓」実現目指し自民有志が議連 |language=ja |website=Sankei Shimbun |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20210319-MZOQERQCABNOFMUXFVTVBUXQT4/}}

During the 2021 LDP presidential race, he called for Japan to strive for a new form of capitalism to reduce income disparity, saying neoliberalism and deregulation had widened economic gaps in society.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2021 |title=Kishida says new form of capitalism needed to end disparity, recover from pandemic |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14435972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162940/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14435972 |archive-date=28 September 2021 |access-date=28 September 2021 |website=Asahi Shimbun |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last1=Inagaki |first1=Kana |last2=Lewis |first2=Leo |date=2021-10-15 |title=Fumio Kishida pledges to steer Japan away from Abenomics |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ffa6754f-3c12-4729-921d-aa2acc5e96ee |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016122621/https://www.ft.com/content/ffa6754f-3c12-4729-921d-aa2acc5e96ee |archive-date=16 October 2021}} In a parliamentary session on 20 February 2022 he reiterated that the benefits of growth should not belong to a limited group adding that "[c]apitalism isn't sustainable unless it is something that belongs to all stakeholders".{{cite news |date=21 February 2022 |title=Japan's Kishida Says Profits Should Flow to More Stakeholders |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-21/japan-s-kishida-says-fruits-of-growth-flowing-to-shareholders |url-status=live |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122200522/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-21/japan-s-kishida-says-fruits-of-growth-flowing-to-shareholders |archive-date=22 January 2023}}

File:Secretary Tillerson, Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida, and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Pose for a Photo Before Their Trilateral Meeting in Bonn (32897966296).jpg and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, February 2017]]

In 2017, while serving as foreign minister, Kishida pressured China to push North Korea towards denuclearization.{{cite news |last1=Yamaguchi |first1=Mari |date=30 May 2017 |title=Japan urges China to do more to pressure North Korea |url=https://apnews.com/article/e816b33c628e4e47a596a84c19992b07 |url-status=live |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124044258/https://apnews.com/article/e816b33c628e4e47a596a84c19992b07 |archive-date=24 January 2022}} During the race for the leadership of the LDP, Kishida also addressed the issue of Japanese abductees by North Korea and supported a summit between Japan and North Korea to end the issue.{{cite news |date=20 September 2021 |title=Japan PM hopefuls seek summit with North Korea on abduction issue |work=Kyodo News |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/09/1eb8f6876530-japan-pm-hopefuls-seek-summit-with-n-korea-on-abduction-issue.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929140844/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/09/1eb8f6876530-japan-pm-hopefuls-seek-summit-with-n-korea-on-abduction-issue.html |archive-date=29 September 2021}} Kishida also took a stronger stance than other contenders regarding China and North Korea, saying that Japan should strengthen its defenses, while at the same time recognizing that there is a clash between authoritarianism and democracy in the region, especially with regard to the status of Taiwan.{{cite news |last1=Landers |first1=Peter |date=7 September 2021 |title=Japan Prime Minister Contender Takes Harder Line on Missile-Strike Ability |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/contender-for-japan-leader-sees-need-for-missile-strike-ability-11631015401 |url-status=live |access-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928140809/https://www.wsj.com/articles/contender-for-japan-leader-sees-need-for-missile-strike-ability-11631015401 |archive-date=28 September 2021}}

In May 2022 Fumio Kishida requested that the German government remove Statue of Peace in Berlin, a variant of the Statue of Peace, in Berlin. The request caused considerable controversy in South Korea.{{cite news |date=11 May 2022 |title=기시다, 독일 총리에 소녀상 철거 요청…"반응 안 좋아"(종합2보) |language=ko |work=Yonhap News Agency |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20220511012752073}}{{cite news |date=27 May 2022 |title=일본 극우, 도쿄에서 '위안부 피해자 모욕' 행사 개최 ... '짐승만도 못한 짓' 비판 |language=ko |work=Kyunghyang Shinmun |url=https://www.khan.co.kr/world/world-general/article/202205270813001}}{{cite news |date=11 January 2023 |title=Japan should take responsibility for 'comfort women' now |work=Inkstick |url=https://inkstickmedia.com/japan-should-take-responsibility-for-comfort-women-now/ |access-date=9 May 2023}}{{cite web |date=11 May 2022 |title=Japanese PM asked German leader for help in removing 'comfort women' statue |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/0f0bb4bab970-japan-pm-asked-german-leader-to-help-remove-comfort-women-statue.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511093143/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/05/0f0bb4bab970-japan-pm-asked-german-leader-to-help-remove-comfort-women-statue.html |archive-date=11 May 2022 |website=Kyodo News}}

File:Fumio Kishida October 2017.jpgKishida is in favor of retaining nuclear power technology, which he says should be considered as a clean energy option, while also calling for the establishment of a $90.7 billion university fund to further stimulate science and promotion of renewable energy.

Being a representative from Hiroshima, Kishida has consistently advocated for Japanese diplomacy to promote nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kishida rejected former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's proposal for Japan to consider hosting U.S. nuclear weapons as a deterrent, calling it "unacceptable" given the country's stance of maintaining the three non-nuclear principles.{{cite news |date=28 February 2022 |title=Kishida calls idea of Japan sharing nukes with U.S. 'unacceptable' |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/02/28/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-nuclear-sharing-abe/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304083739/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/02/28/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-nuclear-sharing-abe/ |archive-date=4 March 2022}}

Kishida's government continued to reject participating in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons framework and discussions.{{Cite web |last=Tohda |first=Hiroki |date=28 November 2023 |title=Japan a no-show at U.N. meeting on prohibiting nuclear weapons |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15068958 |access-date=14 August 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Cabahug |first=Jadenne Radoc |date=2023-08-08 |title=Nuke ban treaty still out of reach as Japan marks atomic bombings |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/08/08/japan/japan-nuclear-weapons-ban-treaty/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

Kishida stated support for discussions toward allowing married Japanese couples to choose between unified single surnames or separate last names,{{Cite news |date=16 September 2021 |title=LDP candidate Kishida favors debate toward separate surnames for Japanese couples |language=en-US |newspaper=Mainichi Daily News |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210916/p2a/00m/0na/002000c |url-status=live |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162940/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210916/p2a/00m/0na/002000c |archive-date=28 September 2021}} while on the topic of same-sex marriage Kishida has stated he has not come to support it, saying instead that the public's opinion should be understood before the Diet decides.{{Cite news |date=18 September 2021 |title=LDP candidates differ on same-sex marriage and women's rights issues |language=en-US |newspaper=Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/18/national/politics-diplomacy/ldp-candidates-lgbt-surnames/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207152908/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/18/national/politics-diplomacy/ldp-candidates-lgbt-surnames/ |archive-date=7 December 2021}}{{Cite news |date=19 November 2021 |title=Support for gay rights in Japan is gaining momentum |language=en-US |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/11/18/support-for-gay-rights-in-japan-is-gaining-momentum |url-status=live |access-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118233416/https://www.economist.com/asia/2021/11/18/support-for-gay-rights-in-japan-is-gaining-momentum |archive-date=18 November 2021}} In 2023 he stated that Japan must "be extremely careful in considering the matter as it could affect the structure of family life in Japan".{{Cite news |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Prime Minister Kishida remains cautious about same-sex marriage |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/01/26/national/politics-diplomacy/kishida-same-sex-marriage-cautious/}} In the Diet's budget committee on February 28, 2023, responding to an opposition lawmaker question, he stated that "I don't think disallowing same-sex couples to marry is unjust discrimination by the state", repeating his position that a same-sex marriage ban "is not unconstitutional" and denying that he is discriminatory adding "I have never stated I'm against it". His comment sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers and LGBTQ activists, who questioned whether Kishida was backpedaling from an earlier meeting that month with LGBTQ representatives to show consideration to ultra-conservatives in his party who oppose sexual diversity.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2023 |title=Japan PM: Ban on same-sex marriage not discrimination |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-kishida-lgbtq-samesex-marriage-discrimination-43baf7af74baf0d8b908124b19eabf0e}}

In 1988, Kishida married Yuko Kishida, the daughter of a Japanese real estate investor, in an arranged marriage. The couple has three sons.{{cite news|title=Japan's new PM, wife maintain closeness despite long distance|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/10/6aa11058dc21-japans-new-pm-wife-maintain-closeness-despite-long-distance.html|work=Kyodo News+|date=4 October 2021|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015165733/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/10/6aa11058dc21-japans-new-pm-wife-maintain-closeness-despite-long-distance.html|url-status=live}} In one presentation, Yuko was featured in the LDP messaging immediately after he became the de facto PM-designate.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e085aa60-63e8-4160-b15c-11bf86ff6840|title=Kishida will need to defy the odds of Japanese political longevity|first=Leo|last=Lewis|newspaper=Financial Times|date=2 October 2021|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003003554/https://www.ft.com/content/e085aa60-63e8-4160-b15c-11bf86ff6840|url-status=live}} He is a fan of the manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and has pledged to financially support the Japanese animation industry during his premiership.{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Narayan |title=Japan's New Prime Minister Is a Demon Slayer Fan, Plans to Support Manga and Anime |url=https://www.cbr.com/japan-prime-minister-demon-slayer-fan-support-manga-anime/ |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=6 October 2021 |date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=5 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005233923/https://www.cbr.com/japan-prime-minister-demon-slayer-fan-support-manga-anime/ |url-status=live }} He is also a fan of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team.

In May 2023, Kishida dismissed his eldest son, {{Ill|Shōtarō Kishida|ja|岸田翔太郎}}, from his role as policy secretary, effective 1 June 2023, for misuse of government resources.{{Cite web |first=Mari |last=Yamaguchi |title=Japan PM's son to resign after public outrage over private party at official residence |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-pms-son-resign-after-public-outrage-private-99674244 |date=2023-05-29 |website=ABC News}} Photos had surfaced of Shotaro hosting parties at the Prime Minister's official residence and of him posing as the Prime Minister. Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, called the actions "inappropriate".{{Cite web |title=Japan's PM sacks his son as aide over 'inappropriate behaviour' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/30/japans-kishida-sacks-son-as-aide-over-inappropriate-behaviour |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

• {{flag|Netherlands}}:
• 60px Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau (29 October 2014).{{cite web |title=Decoraties Staatsbezoeken Japan en Republiek Korea |url=http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/nieuws/nieuwsberichten/2014/oktober/decoraties-staatsbezoeken-japan-en-republiek-korea/ |website=www.koninlijkhuis.nl |access-date=4 November 2014 |archive-date=4 November 2014 |language=nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104190003/http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/nieuws/nieuwsberichten/2014/oktober/decoraties-staatsbezoeken-japan-en-republiek-korea/ |url-status=dead }}
• {{flag|Spain}}:
• 60px Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (31 March 2017){{cite web |title=BOE.es – Documento BOE-A-2017-4552 |url=https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2017-4552 |website=www.boe.es |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |language=es-es |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706222209/https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2017-4552 |url-status=live }}
• {{flag|Paraguay}}:
• 60px Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (3 May 2024){{cite web | url=https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/actions/202405/03paraguay.html | title=Visit to Paraguay }}
• {{flag|Ukraine}}:
• 60px First Class of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (23 August 2024){{cite web |title=УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА УКРАЇНИ №576/2024 |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/5762024-51873 |website=www.president.gov.ua |access-date=27 August 2024 |archive-date=24 August 2024 |language=uk-uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824084753/https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/5762024-51873 |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website|http://www.kishida.gr.jp/}}
• [https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/hq/profile/kishida.html MOFA Official Website] {{in lang|en}}

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{{s-bef|before=Yoshihide Suga}}

{{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Japan|years=2021–2024}}

{{s-aft|after=Shigeru Ishiba}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Shinzo Abe}}

{{s-ttl|title=Director of the Youth Division,
Liberal Democratic Party|years=1997–1998}}

{{s-aft|after=Hachiro Okonogi}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-bef|before=Ichiro Aisawa}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chairman of the Diet Affairs Committee,
Liberal Democratic Party | years=2011–2012}}

{{s-aft|after=Yasukazu Hamada}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-bef|before=Makoto Koga}}

{{s-ttl|title=Head of the Kōchikai |years=2012–2023}}

{{s-vac}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-bef|before=Toshimitsu Motegi}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chairman of the Policy Research Council,
Liberal Democratic Party|years=2017–2020}}

{{s-aft|after=Hakubun Shimomura}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-bef|before=Yoshihide Suga}}

{{s-ttl|title=President of the Liberal Democratic Party|years=2021–2024}}

{{s-aft|after=Shigeru Ishiba}}

{{s-dip}}

{{s-bef|before=Olaf Scholz}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Group of Seven|years=2023}}

{{s-aft|after=Giorgia Meloni}}

{{s-end}}

{{Prime Ministers of Japan}}

{{Liberal Democratic Party of Japan}}

{{Japanese foreign ministers}}

{{JPMinDef}}

{{JPMinSONTA}}

{{Cabinet Abe II}}

{{Cabinet Kishida II (R2)}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kishida, Fumio}}

Category:1957 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century prime ministers of Japan

Category:Ministers for foreign affairs of Japan

Category:Ministers of defense of Japan

Category:Japanese expatriates in the United States

Category:Recipients of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st class

Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau

Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic

Category:Liberal Democratic Party (Japan) politicians

Category:Presidents of the Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)

Category:Liberal Democratic Party prime ministers of Japan

Category:Members of Nippon Kaigi

Category:Members of the House of Representatives from Hiroshima Prefecture

Category:People from Hiroshima

Category:Waseda University alumni

Category:Kaisei Academy alumni

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2003–2005

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2005–2009

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2009–2012

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2012–2014

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2014–2017

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2017–2021

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2021–2024

Category:Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) 2024–