:Shigeru Ishiba

Ishiba was born on 4 February 1957, in Chiyoda, Tokyo, while his registered domicile was his father's hometown in the Yazu District of Tottori Prefecture. His father Jirō Ishiba was a government official then serving as Vice Minister of Construction. His mother was a teacher and a granddaughter of the Christian minister Kanamori Michitomo.{{cite web |last=Tokugawa |first=Iehiro |date=24 April 2014 |title=政権与党のNo.2に聞く「自民党幹事長の本音」－－石破茂氏（自民党幹事長）×徳川家広氏（政治経済評論家）|url=http://net.keizaikai.co.jp/archives/7123 |access-date=10 December 2014 |website=Keizaikai |archive-date=22 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622061342/http://net.keizaikai.co.jp/archives/7123 |url-status=dead }}{{cite book |last=Harefa |first=Surya |date=2023 |title=A Free Church in a Free State: The Possibilities of Abraham Kuyper's Ecclesiology for Japanese Evangelical Christians |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AQrJEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA57 |location=Carlisle |publisher=Langham Publishing |pages=57–58 |isbn=9781839738883 |access-date=28 September 2024 |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815135629/https://books.google.com/books?id=AQrJEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA57 |url-status=live }} Jirō Ishiba was elected Governor of Tottori Prefecture in 1958, so the family moved to Tottori; Ishiba has no memory of living in Tokyo. Jirō Ishiba would serve as governor until 1974, and was later elected to the House of Councillors and served as Minister for Home Affairs in the Zenkō Suzuki Cabinet.{{Cite web |title=石破二朗 – 鳥取県立鳥取西高等学校デジタルコレクション |url=https://torinishi.jp/collections/creator/%E7%9F%B3%E7%A0%B4%E4%BA%8C%E6%9C%97/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |language=ja |archive-date=29 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529081450/https://torinishi.jp/collections/creator/%E7%9F%B3%E7%A0%B4%E4%BA%8C%E6%9C%97/ |url-status=live}}

Shigeru Ishiba grew up and attended school in Tottori Prefecture. After graduating from Tottori University Junior High School, he moved away to attend Keio Senior High School, going on to study law at Keio University in Tokyo. After graduating in 1979, he began working at the Mitsui Bank.{{Cite web |last=Saika |first=Nobuyuki |date=9 September 2020 |title=【自民党総裁選】菅氏、岸田氏、石破氏３人のキリスト教との関わり – クリプレ |url=https://christianpress.jp/suga-yoshihide-kishida-fumio-ishiba-shigeru/ |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=Christian Press |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923010112/https://christianpress.jp/suga-yoshihide-kishida-fumio-ishiba-shigeru |archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=27 September 2024 |title=自民党新総裁に石破茂氏 4代目クリスチャン |url=https://xn--pckuay0l6a7c1910dfvzb.com/?p=47451 |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=Christian Shimbun |language=ja |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929060800/https://xn--pckuay0l6a7c1910dfvzb.com/?p=47451 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=農林水産総括政務次官. 石破 茂 プロフィール |url=https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/daijinmeibo/0007-2jikan/09isiba.html |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=Prime Minister's Office of Japan |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304095109/http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/daijinmeibo/0007-2jikan/09isiba.html |archive-date=4 March 2022|url-status=dead}} His father died in 1981. Former prime minister Kakuei Tanaka, who was a friend of his father, served as chairman of the funeral committee. Tanaka encouraged Ishiba to become a politician to carry on his father's legacy.{{cite news |date=28 September 2024 |title=直言家「傍流」から悲願…石破茂新総裁 こんな人 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20240927-OYT1T50162/ |work=The Yomiuri Shimbun |location=Tokyo |access-date=28 September 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928161840/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20240927-OYT1T50162/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20190517-4K34EVCYGFPR7MX2KMPYKK5SNY/ |title=「ワシが葬儀委員長だ」 石破茂氏を参らせた父親の田中派葬 |last=Kobayashi |first=Yoshiya |date=17 May 2019 |website=zakzak |publisher=Sankei Digital |access-date=22 August 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928161841/https://www.zakzak.co.jp/article/20190517-4K34EVCYGFPR7MX2KMPYKK5SNY/ |url-status=live }}

File:Yasuo Fukuda Cabinet 20070926.jpg

Ishiba left the bank in 1983 and began working in the secretariat of the Thursday Club, Kakuei Tanaka's faction of the Liberal Democratic Party. In the 1986 Japanese general election Ishiba ran as an LDP candidate in the Tottori at-large district and was elected to the House of Representatives. At the age of 29, he was the youngest member of the House at the time.{{cite web |url=https://newspicks.com/news/2809392/body/ |title=ブレない、群れない、政治家・石破茂の人生 |editor-last=Ueda |editor-first=Mao |date=3 March 2018 |website=News Picks |publisher=Uzabase |access-date=22 August 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928161841/https://newspicks.com/news/2809392/body/ |url-status=live }}

As a junior Diet member, Ishiba specialised in agricultural policy, but the Gulf War in 1990 and a 1992 visit to North Korea spurred his interest in defense policy.{{cite news |last=Yoshida |first=Reiji |date=27 August 2018 |title=The man standing between Abe and his ambitions: Who is Shigeru Ishiba? |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/08/27/reference/man-standing-abe-ambitions-shigeru-ishiba/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116141155/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/08/27/reference/man-standing-abe-ambitions-shigeru-ishiba/ |work=The Japan Times |location=Tokyo |archive-date=16 November 2021}} He served as parliamentary vice minister of agriculture under the Miyazawa Cabinet, before defecting from the LDP in 1993, for the Japan Renewal Party. When the Japan Renewal Party merged with several other parties Ishiba became part of the New Frontier Party, but he was disillusioned by the constant struggles between Ozawa and non-Ozawa factions in the party and left in 1996. He rejoined the LDP the following year.{{cite web |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/giin?d=b334c077923a6c2bdfb633e7ca50ba4a&c=syu |title=国会議員情報：石破 茂 |author= |website=Jiji.com |publisher=Jiji Press Ltd. |language=Japanese |access-date=24 August 2024 |quote= |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824133232/https://www.jiji.com/jc/giin?d=b334c077923a6c2bdfb633e7ca50ba4a&c=syu |url-status=live }}

Ishiba was reappointed parliamentary vice minister of Agriculture under the Mori Cabinet in July 2000 but was switched to the position of deputy director general of the Defense Agency in December. He was replaced when the Koizumi Cabinet was appointed. When Koizumi reshuffled the cabinet in September 2002, Ishiba became Director General of the Defense Agency, entering the cabinet for the first time. Ishiba served as director general during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by an American-led coalition. He defended the legality of the invasion and paved the way for the first overseas deployment of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces without UN mandate, sending troops to Iraq in January 2004 to assist with reconstruction efforts.{{cite web |last=Liff |first=Adam P. |date=4 March 2008 |title=Profile: Shigeru Ishiba, Minister of Defense |url=https://www.japaninc.com/mgz_mar-apr_2008_shigeru-ishiba |website=Japan Inc |language=ja |access-date=7 October 2024 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001060631/https://www.japaninc.com/mgz_mar-apr_2008_shigeru-ishiba |url-status=live }} He left cabinet in September 2004.

Ishiba was appointed as the Minister of Defense in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on 26 September 2007,{{cite web |date=26 September 2007 |title=Fukuda Cabinet launched / Changes minimized to reduce impact on Diet business |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20070926TDY01002.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302043844/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20070926TDY01002.htm |archive-date=2 March 2008 |newspaper=Yomiuri Shimbun'}} serving in that post until 1 August 2008. Ishiba was the second person in the cabinet of Fukuda to express belief in the existence of UFOs after Nobutaka Machimura.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=108025|title=Japan's defense minister braces for aliens|work=inquirer.net|date= 20 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826145006/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=108025 |archive-date=26 August 2010|url-status=dead}} Asked on a response to a hypothetical appearance of a UFO, Ishiba said that it would be "difficult" to determine if such an incident amounted to an airspace violation, saying that a UFO was technically not an aircraft from a foreign country.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/03a896413541-update2-ishiba-stubborn-ex-defense-minister-wins-ldp-head-in-5th-bid.html |title=Ishiba, stubborn ex-defense minister, wins LDP head in 5th bid |work=Kyodo News |date=29 September 2024 |access-date=29 September 2024 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929120640/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/03a896413541-update2-ishiba-stubborn-ex-defense-minister-wins-ldp-head-in-5th-bid.html |url-status=live }} In the same interview, he jokingly said that he would mobilize the Japan Self-Defense Forces in response to an appearance by Godzilla.{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2007/12/22/Japan-ready-to-tackle-Godzilla/22641198366042/ |title=Japan ready to tackle Godzilla |work=UPI |date=22 December 2007 |access-date=29 September 2024 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028122944/https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2007/12/22/Japan-ready-to-tackle-Godzilla/22641198366042/ |url-status=live }}

File:Rumsfeld meets Ishiba 15 November 2003.jpg in Tokyo on 15 November 2003]]

Following Fukuda's resignation, Ishiba stood as a candidate for the LDP presidency. In the leadership election, held on 22 September 2008, Tarō Asō won with 351 of the 527 votes; Ishiba placed fifth and last with 25 votes.{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080922dy04.htm |title=Aso elected LDP head|newspaper= Yomiuri Shimbun|date=22 September 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080925213354/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080922dy04.htm|archive-date=25 September 2008|url-status=dead}} In Asō Cabinet, appointed on 24 September 2008, Ishiba was named as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080925TDY01303.htm |title=Aso elected premier / Announces Cabinet lineup himself; poll likely on Nov. 2|newspaper= Yomiuri Shimbun|date=25 September 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080928200407/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080925TDY01303.htm|archive-date=28 September 2008|url-status=dead}} He called for Asō to resign after the LDP's defeat in the 2009 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election. Ishiba retained his seat in the 2009 House of Representatives election, otherwise a crushing defeat for the LDP. After Sadakazu Tanigaki was elected to replace Asō as party president, Ishiba was appointed chairman of the Policy Research Council, one of the top positions in the party. Ishiba was thus one of the most prominent LDP figures when the party was in opposition.{{cite web |url=http://www.nnn.co.jp/news/090930/20090930054.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001135308/http://www.nnn.co.jp/news/090930/20090930054.html |title=自民政調会長に石破氏 党三役、県選出で初 |date=30 September 2009 |website=Net Nihonkai |publisher=Nihonkai Telecasting |language=Japanese |archive-date=1 October 2009 }} He was removed when Tanigaki reshuffled the party leadership in September 2011.{{cite news |date=1 October 2011 |title=自民、対決路線へ足場固め |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKDASFS3004V_Q1A930C1PE8000/ |work=The Nikkei |location=Tokyo |language=Japanese |access-date=29 September 2024 |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044908/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGKDASFS3004V_Q1A930C1PE8000/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2012, while the LDP was still in opposition, Ishiba again stood for the presidency of the LDP and was narrowly defeated by former prime minister Shinzo Abe. He accepted the position of secretary-general on 27 September 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120928a3.html |title=Ishiba to be LDP's new secretary general|newspaper= The Japan Times|date=28 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121113195510/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120928a3.html|archive-date=13 November 2012|url-status=live}} Ishiba was re-appointed to the position under Abe's second premiership after the December 2012 general election in which the LDP returned to government.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324660404578200981960706700 |title= Japan's Abe Appoints Ex-Rival as His No. 2 |newspaper= The Wall Street Journal|date=28 September 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160314021558/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324660404578200981960706700|archive-date=14 March 2016|url-status=live}} Ishiba attracted considerable criticism for his statement in November 2013 that likened peaceful public protests against the new secrecy bill being introduced by his government to "acts of terrorism".{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/01/national/secrecy-law-protests-act-of-terrorism-ldp-secretary-general/ |title=Ishiba to be LDP's new secretary general|newspaper= The Japan Times|date=1 December 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173153/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/01/national/secrecy-law-protests-act-of-terrorism-ldp-secretary-general/|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}} He later withdrew the comment.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/02/national/ishiba-softens-criticism-of-bill-protesters/ |title=Ishiba softens criticism of bill protesters|newspaper= The Japan Times|date=2 December 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203085448/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/02/national/ishiba-softens-criticism-of-bill-protesters/|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live}}

File:Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raising a signboard.jpg and Yoshihide Suga in September 2014]]

In the September 2014 cabinet reshuffle, Abe moved Ishiba from his position as LDP Secretary-General and appointed him to a newly created office of Minister for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy. He was reported to have declined the offer of a cabinet post responsible for the government's upcoming security legislation.{{cite web |date=3 September 2014 |title=Abe keeps core intact in Cabinet shake-up |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/03/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-boosts-number-of-women-in-cabinet-but-retains-key-figures-in-reshuffle-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904151640/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/03/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-boosts-number-of-women-in-cabinet-but-retains-key-figures-in-reshuffle-2/ |archive-date=4 September 2014 |access-date=25 December 2015 |work=The Japan Times}} In spite of having been a vocal critic of factionalism in the LDP, Ishiba launched his own faction, the Suigetsukai, on 28 September 2015, with the aim of succeeding sitting prime minister, Shinzo Abe. With 19 members, excluding Ishiba, it was one member short of the 20 votes required for nomination for LDP leadership.{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Senior-LDP-member-Ishiba-forms-faction-aiming-to-succeed-Abe/ |title=Senior LDP member Ishiba forms faction, aiming to succeed Abe|newspaper= Nikkei Asian Review|date=28 September 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151008153257/http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Senior-LDP-member-Ishiba-forms-faction-aiming-to-succeed-Abe|archive-date=8 October 2015|url-status=dead}}

Ishiba left cabinet in the April 2016 reshuffle, having declined the ministry of Agriculture.{{cite web |last=鹿吉 |first=大基 |date=3 October 2016 |title=安倍内閣に反旗を翻した石破茂、「次の総理」を目指す覚悟を決めた |url=https://president.jp/articles/-/20957?page=1 |website=President Online |publisher=President Inc. |access-date=8 September 2024 |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907225450/https://president.jp/articles/-/20957?page=1 |url-status=live }} Ishiba challenged Abe in the 2018 LDP presidential election but was defeated again. In 2020, following Shinzo Abe's second resignation, Ishiba ran for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party, losing to Yoshihide Suga, placing third overall.{{Cite news |date=14 September 2020 |title=Yoshihide Suga wins landslide in Japanese leadership contest |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0d74687f-dc51-49af-849c-0d8bdf062d5b |access-date=7 August 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200915085047/https://www.ft.com/content/0d74687f-dc51-49af-849c-0d8bdf062d5b|archive-date=15 September 2020|url-status=live}} Ishiba declined to run in the 2021 Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, instead endorsing Taro Kono.{{Cite web |date=15 September 2021 |title=LDP's Shigeru Ishiba formally throws support behind PM contender Taro Kono |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/15/national/politics-diplomacy/ishiba-backs-kono/ |access-date=7 August 2022 |newspaper=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210915103805/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/15/national/politics-diplomacy/ishiba-backs-kono/ |archive-date=15 September 2021|url-status=live}}

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

File:Shigeru Ishiba was designated as the 102nd Prime Minister 4.jpg, 1 October 2024.]]

Then-LDP leader and prime minister Fumio Kishida announced on 14 August 2024 that he would not seek re-election as LDP leader in the leadership election in September, effectively resigning as prime minister, following record-low approval ratings from an ongoing slush fund scandal and previous controversies with the LDP's affiliation with the Unification Church. Ishiba alongside Sanae Takaichi and Shinjirō Koizumi emerged as the frontrunners to succeed him. In the leadership election on 27 September 2024, Ishiba narrowly defeated Takaichi in a second-round runoff, winning a total of 215 votes (52.57%) from 189 parliamentary members and 26 prefectural chapters, making him the new LDP leader and prime minister–designate; the election was dubbed "Ishibamania" by the foreign media.{{Cite web |date=27 September 2024 |title=自民党新総裁に石破茂氏 1回目と決選投票の結果詳報 自民党総裁選2024 投開票速報 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA14BMT0U4A810C2000000/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928162008/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA14BMT0U4A810C2000000/ |url-status=live }} Ishiba's victory was described by commentators as unexpected and an upset, owing to his long history of failed leadership bids and his relative unpopularity with many LDP members of the National Diet.{{Cite web |last=Semans |first=Himari |date=24 September 2024 |title=Why is Shigeru Ishiba so unpopular among his LDP peers? |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/24/japan/politics/ishiba-shigeru-ldp-candidate-diet-hates-local-chapters-love/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=The Japan Times |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928161841/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/24/japan/politics/ishiba-shigeru-ldp-candidate-diet-hates-local-chapters-love/ |url-status=live }} After his election, the Japanese stock market experienced a sudden drop in response to Ishiba's economic policies, which was named "Ishiba Shock".{{Cite web |title=円高・株価急落"石破ショック"に経済専門家「総裁選中の増税や金融引き締めに積極的なスタンスに…」（スポニチアネックス） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/34e5348998559e9907dc7e5630eef363c42a7757 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930045005/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/34e5348998559e9907dc7e5630eef363c42a7757 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=産経新聞 |date=30 September 2024 |title=30日の東京株式市場、一時1600円超安 〝石破ショック〟の様相呈す |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20240930-2UQF3XF6YBJEBJEVSZ27ZD7JZI/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=産経新聞：産経ニュース |language=ja |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044910/https://www.sankei.com/article/20240930-2UQF3XF6YBJEBJEVSZ27ZD7JZI/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=真之 |first=窪田 |title=石破新総裁で日経平均が下がるところは「買い場」と考える理由（窪田真之） |url=https://media.rakuten-sec.net/articles/-/46595 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=トウシル 楽天証券の投資情報メディア |language=ja |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044911/https://media.rakuten-sec.net/articles/-/46595 |url-status=live }}

Three days after the LDP presidential election, the new party officials under Ishiba were inaugurated. Ishiba appointed former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vice president of the party, while the outgoing Vice President Tarō Asō was made chief advisor, and Hiroshi Moriyama became secretary general. Shun'ichi Suzuki was made chairman of the General Council after Takaichi declined the post. Itsunori Onodera was made chairman of the Policy Research Council and Shinjiro Koizumi chairman of the Election Strategy Committee. The appointments were seen as emphasizing stability in the party.{{cite news |date=30 September 2024 |title=【一覧】石破総裁 自民党新執行部が発足 閣僚顔ぶれも固まる |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240930/k10014595931000.html |work=NHK |location=Tokyo |access-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930031359/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240930/k10014595931000.html |archive-date=30 September 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Fujiwara |first=Shinichi |date=29 September 2024 |title=Koizumi to be LDP's 'face' while Takaichi declines Ishiba's offer |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15445503 |work=The Asahi Shimbun |location=Tokyo |access-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929082121/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15445503 |archive-date=29 September 2024|url-status=live}}

File:Shigeru Ishiba and Hirofumi Yoshimura January 2025.jpg Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura in January 2025]]

On 30 September, Ishiba announced his plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on 9 October and called for snap general election to be held on 27 October 2024.{{Cite web |title=Japan's incoming PM announces snap October election |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvd784n1meo |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=BBC News |date=30 September 2024 |language=en |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240930082526/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvd784n1meo |archive-date=30 September 2024|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Opposition to call for debate on Ishiba policies before Lower House dissolution |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240930_11/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=NHK WORLD |language=en |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930095202/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240930_11/ |url-status=live}} This decision, which was announced before he was elected Prime Minister by the Diet, drew criticism from opposition parties as it did not allow time for a debate at a budget committee meeting prior to the House's dissolution.{{Cite web |date=1 October 2024 |title=Ishiba becomes prime minister, takes heat over election call |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15448354 |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=The Asahi Shimbun |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001134323/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15448354 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=1 October 2024 |title=Editorial: New Japan ruling party head to evade debate-informed vote with snap election |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20241001/p2a/00m/0op/014000c |access-date=4 October 2024 |work=Mainichi Daily News |language=en |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001085204/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20241001/p2a/00m/0op/014000c |url-status=live}} Despite this resistance, the Lower House voted in favor of closing the extraordinary Diet session on 9 October.

Ishiba was elected by the National Diet and appointed as Prime Minister by Emperor Naruhito at Tokyo Imperial Palace on 1 October 2024, becoming the twenty-fifth Liberal Democratic Prime Minister. Ishiba announced key appointments ahead of the snap general election on 27 October 2024. His Cabinet included rivals from the leadership race, though Sanae Takaichi's exclusion created internal party friction. Uniting the divided ruling party became a primary focus for Ishiba after the closely contested leadership race.{{Cite news |date=29 September 2024 |title=Japan's incoming PM Ishiba to fill cabinet posts ahead of likely election|language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/japans-incoming-pm-ishiba-fills-posts-after-close-leadership-race-2024-09-30/|access-date=30 September 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240930080629/https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/japans-incoming-pm-ishiba-fills-posts-after-close-leadership-race-2024-09-30/ |archive-date=30 September 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Japan's incoming PM Ishiba fills cabinet posts ahead of likely election |date=29 September 2024 |url=https://www.asiaone.com/asia/japans-incoming-pm-ishiba-fills-cabinet-posts-ahead-likely-election |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930085555/https://www.asiaone.com/asia/japans-incoming-pm-ishiba-fills-cabinet-posts-ahead-likely-election |archive-date=30 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |url-status=live }}

In his first policy speech on 4 October, Ishiba named Japan's low birth rate and the regional security situation as among his primary concerns, describing the former as a "quiet emergency" and the latter as at its "most severe since the end of World War II". He also pledged to continue efforts to ensure the emergence of the Japanese economy from deflation and called for stabilization in the membership of the Imperial House of Japan amid a lack of male successors to the throne.{{cite news |title=Japan PM warns 'today's Ukraine could be tomorrow's East Asia' |date=4 October 2024 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241004-japan-pm-warns-today-s-ukraine-could-be-tomorrow-s-east-asia |work=France 24 |access-date=4 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005023902/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241004-japan-pm-warns-today-s-ukraine-could-be-tomorrow-s-east-asia |url-status=live }} He also expressed regret for the 2023–2024 Japanese slush fund scandal.{{cite news |title=Japan's new leader expresses regret for governing party slush fund scandal, vows stronger defense |date=4 October 2024 |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-ishiba-policy-us-china-security-economy-a5412430588c624ea25ee5dc8f38ae7f |work=Associated Press |access-date=4 October 2024 |archive-date=4 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004143217/https://apnews.com/article/japan-ishiba-policy-us-china-security-economy-a5412430588c624ea25ee5dc8f38ae7f |url-status=live }}

{{See also|2024 Japanese general election|Second Ishiba Cabinet}}

On 9 October, Ishiba dissolved the House of Representatives in preparation for the general election on 27 October.{{cite news |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/e42cd3637fac-japan-pm-ishiba-to-dissolve-lower-house-for-oct-27-election.html |title=Japan PM Ishiba dissolves lower house for Oct. 27 election |work=Kyodo News |date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009032358/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/e42cd3637fac-japan-pm-ishiba-to-dissolve-lower-house-for-oct-27-election.html |archive-date=9 October 2024 |url-status=live}} On the same day, the LDP decided to pull its endorsement of 12 politicians implicated in the slush fund scandal, and would not allow them to be elected via proportional representation should they lose in their single seat constituencies.{{cite news |date=9 October 2024 |last=Johnston |first=Eric |title=LDP pulls endorsements of 12 'slush fund' lawmakers for Oct. 27 election |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/09/japan/politics/ldp-not-endorsing-12-politicians/ |work=The Japan Times |access-date=13 October 2024 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009025354/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/09/japan/politics/ldp-not-endorsing-12-politicians/ |archive-date=9 October 2024 |url-status=live}} Ishiba indicated that the party would resume support for the politicians if they win reelection. Other politicians who have been disciplined by the party over the slush fund scandal would also not be allowed to run on the LDP's proportional representation list.{{cite news |date=6 October 2024 |title=Some scandal-hit LDP members to be denied endorsement in election |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/72ea5d909107-some-scandal-hit-ldp-members-to-be-denied-endorsement-in-election.html |work=Kyodo News |access-date=13 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006145209/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/10/72ea5d909107-some-scandal-hit-ldp-members-to-be-denied-endorsement-in-election.html |archive-date=6 October 2024 |url-status=live}} Despite these measures, LDP still faced its most serious defeat since the 2009 election, with 67 seats lost and therefore its majority in the Diet. On the next day, Ishiba expressed his intention to remain as Prime Minister despite the election results.{{cite news |title=Ishiba Signals Intention to Remain as Japan PM Despite Party's Election Defeat |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/live-blog/2024-10-27/japan-election-reaction |work=Bloomberg.com |date=28 October 2024 |language=en |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241028053744/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/live-blog/2024-10-27/japan-election-reaction |archive-date=28 October 2024 |url-status=live}} Commentators noted that his decision for the snap election election may jeopardize his leadership, as rising inflation and a funding scandal threaten his LDP's majority, prompting potential alliances with smaller parties amid growing economic concerns.{{Cite news |last1=Murakami |first1=Sakura|last2=Geddie |first2= John|last3=Kelly|first3=Tim|date=27 October 2024|title=Japan votes in election expected to punish PM Ishiba's coalition|language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-votes-election-expected-punish-pm-ishibas-coalition-2024-10-26/|access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241028164349/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-votes-election-expected-punish-pm-ishibas-coalition-2024-10-26/ |archive-date=28 October 2024 |url-status=live}}

On 11 November, Ishiba was reelected as prime minister of a minority government during a session of the Diet, after winning a total of 221 votes from both the first and second rounds, defeating Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who secured only 160 votes, following a second round runoff vote.{{cite news |title=Japan: PM Ishiba chosen for new term, despite lost majority – DW – 11/11/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/japan-pm-ishiba-chosen-for-new-term-despite-lost-majority/a-70752516 |work=dw.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127025037/https://www.dw.com/en/japan-pm-ishiba-chosen-for-new-term-despite-lost-majority/a-70752516 |archive-date=27 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Ota |first1=Yusuke Amano and Akihisa |title=Japan PM Ishiba's minority government walks a tightrope as opposition may call no-confidence vote at will |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20241112-222109/ |work=The Japan News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241117012522/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20241112-222109/ |archive-date=17 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Japan's Ishiba stays as PM despite election setback |date=2024-11-11 |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0d91zl8e0o |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111084156/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0d91zl8e0o |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}} Hours before the Diet assembled, Ishiba's first cabinet resigned, thus resulting in him making an effort to launch a second cabinet.{{cite news|url=https://japan-forward.com/first-shigeru-ishiba-cabinet-resigns-amid-low-approval-ratings/|title=First Shigeru Ishiba Cabinet Resigns Amid Low Approval Ratings|publisher=Japan Forward|date=11 November 2024|access-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111223037/https://japan-forward.com/first-shigeru-ishiba-cabinet-resigns-amid-low-approval-ratings/ |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20241111-221784/|title=Ishiba Cabinet Resigns ahead of Diet PM Votes|publisher=The Japan News|date=11 November 2024|access-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113081933/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20241111-221784/ |archive-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live}} However, it was agreed that his cabinet would mostly remain the same.{{Cite web |last1=Ewe |first1=Koh |last2=Khalil |first2=Shaimaa |author-link2=Shaimaa Khalil |date=2024-11-11 |title=Japan: Shigeru Ishiba wins new term as PM in parliament run-off |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0d91zl8e0o |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113013927/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0d91zl8e0o |archive-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live}} Ishiba's re-election would also mark the first time in 30 years that any Japanese prime minister needed a runoff vote.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-battles-survival-parliament-vote-trump-looms-large-2024-11-10/|title=Japan PM Ishiba survives parliament vote as Trump looms large|first1=John|last1=Geddie|first2=Tim|last2=Kelly|publisher=Reuters|date=2024-11-11|access-date=2024-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111023954/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-battles-survival-parliament-vote-trump-looms-large-2024-11-10/ |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}}

{{Expand section|section=1|small=no|date=January 2025}}

During the opening ceremony of the 217th ordinary session of the Diet, Ishiba's government submitted a draft budget for the new fiscal year 2025 with the general account at over 115 trillion yen, the largest ever. The unprecedentedly large budget was attributed to social security expenses related to the aging population and the strengthening of defense capabilities that began under the previous Kishida administration.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-01-24 |title=政府 一般会計で過去最大 115兆円余の2025年度予算案 国会提出 |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250124/k10014702091000.html |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=NHKニュース}} On 24 January he delivered a policy speech, proclaiming his ideal for a "fun Japan" where everyone "feels safe and secure, and people with diverse values respect each other and strive for self-realization." He also said he would prioritize regional revitalization, addressing the gender pay gap, and digitalization among other issues.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-01-24 |title=首相 初の施政方針演説 地方創生を核心に「列島改造を進める」|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250124/k10014702051000.html |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=NHKニュース}}

In February 2025, Ishiba worked with the opposition Japan Innovation Party to pass the 2025 fiscal year budget. The budget included provisions that called free high school education & social insurance premium fee cuts. The agreement was signed by the LDP, Komeito, and Ishin on 26 February.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-02-26 |title=【詳しく】自公維 教育無償化など合意 予算案は修正・成立へ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250225/k10014732301000.html |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=NHKニュース}}

Ishiba's government announced in January 2025 that same-sex partners will be subject to the same regulations as common-law marriages in 24 laws, including one that stipulates benefits to be paid to the families of crime victims.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-01-21 |title=同性パートナー 犯罪被害者遺族の給付金や24の法律など対象に |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250121/k10014699351000.html |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=NHKニュース}} Consideration for legislation allowing separate surnames for married couples also began in the LDP under Ishiba's presidency.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-02-04 |title=選択的夫婦別姓 自民 作業チーム幹部が会合"丁寧に意見聴く" |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250204/k10014712231000.html |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=NHKニュース}} Ishiba's former rival, Sanae Takaichi, urged him to approach the topic with "caution" during internal party deliberations.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-04 |title=自民党・高市早苗氏、「選択的夫婦別姓」慎重派の結集探る 旧姓使用拡大に賛同要請 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA03BJ80T00C25A2000000/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja}} He has remained hesitant about introducing same-sex marriage legislation.{{Cite web |title=石破首相、同性婚導入に慎重＝参院代表質問スタート―派閥裏金「説明してきた」 |url=https://sp.m.jiji.com/article/show/3435943 |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=時事通信ニュース |language=ja}}

{{See also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Shigeru Ishiba}}{{Expand section|section=1|small=no|date=January 2025}}

Ishiba was elected as Prime Minister during the closing months of Joe Biden's presidency in the United States, meeting with him at the APEC summit in Peru in November 2024, alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.{{Cite web |title=Biden meets allies, warns of 'significant political change' – DW – 11/16/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/us-biden-meets-allies-warns-of-significant-political-change/a-70798988 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}} Later in January 2025 he held a virtual meeting with Biden and Philippine President Ferdniand Marcos Jr. during which the three agreed to strengthen ties and cooperation.{{Cite web |last=Maralit |first=Kristina |date=2025-01-14 |title=Marcos, Biden, Ishiba vow to boost ties |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/14/news/national/marcos-biden-ishiba-vow-to-boost-ties/2037426 |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}} After Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Ishiba congratulated him publicly, stating he would like to meet with him soon in his capacity as President-elect.{{Cite web |title=Japan PM congratulates Trump on U.S. election victory |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/43d7ee323ff9-japan-vows-to-build-strong-ties-with-us-govt-under-next-president.html |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Kyodo News+}}{{Cite news |title=Trump's return has officials in Japan preparing for the worst |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15593927 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128040611/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15593927 |archive-date=28 January 2025 |access-date=2025-02-05 |work=The Asahi Shimbun |language=en-US |url-status=live }} Unlike his late former rival Shinzo Abe, Ishiba was not able to meet with Trump during his transition period.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-17 |title=Japan PM Ishiba says he won't get meeting he sought with president-elect Trump |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-today/japan-pm-ishiba-says-he-wont-get-meeting-he-sought-with-president-elect-trump-9673621/ |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} After Trump's inauguration, he sent him a congratulatory letter, in which he emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific.{{Cite web |title=Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to President Trump of the United States of America |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/na/na1/us/pageite_000001_00765.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121145919/https://www.mofa.go.jp/na/na1/us/pageite_000001_00765.html |archive-date=21 January 2025 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=en-US |url-status=live }} By February a meeting was set up between the two; Ishiba stated that he would explain to Trump Japan's high investment in the United States and its contributions to US job creation, mirroring a strategy implemented by Abe to negotiate with Trump when he was Prime Minister.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-02-03 |title=石破首相 日米首脳会談でトランプ大統領に対米投資説明へ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250203/k10014710501000.html |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=NHKニュース}}{{Cite news |author=David Boling |date=2024-11-17 |title=Shinzo Abe handled Trump — here's what the world can learn from him |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/international/4993036-shinzo-abe-trump-relationship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114203815/https://thehill.com/opinion/international/4993036-shinzo-abe-trump-relationship/ |archive-date=14 January 2025 |access-date=2025-02-05 |work=The Hill |language=en-US |url-status=live }} Ishiba sought the advice of Abe's widow, Akie Abe, along with former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before the meeting. He said he would seek to form a “personal relationship” with Trump.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title=Trump says Nippon Steel will 'invest heavily' in US Steel |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvglzzqdwd2o.amp |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=BBC News |language=en-gb}} Nevertheless, Ishiba and Trump were referred to as an “odd couple” by National Review and The Economist.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title=The Odd-Couple Relationship of Trump and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba |work=National Review |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/the-odd-couple-relationship-of-trump-and-japanese-pm-shigeru-ishiba/amp/ |access-date=2025-02-07}}{{Cite news |title=Donald Trump and Japan's Ishiba Shigeru make for an odd couple |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/02/06/donald-trump-and-japans-ishiba-shigeru-make-for-an-odd-couple |access-date=2025-02-07 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}}

File:Ishiba with Trump in the Oval Office February 2025 2.jpg, 7 February 2025]]

Ishiba arrived in Washington D.C. on 6 February, along with translator Sunao Takao, who had previously assisted Shinzo Abe communicate with Trump during his tenure as Prime Minister. Takao was described as an “important asset” to Ishiba, given he is "probably one of the few Japanese people that Trump remembers."{{Cite news |date=2025-02-07 |title=Ex-PM Abe's interpreter set to attend Ishiba's 1st summit with Trump |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250207/p2g/00m/0na/049000c |access-date=2025-02-07 |work=Mainichi Daily News |language=en}} Ishiba met with Trump the following day at the White House, where the two held a meeting followed by a press conference.{{Cite web|title=Trump greets Japanese PM Ishiba as U.S. Steel deal tests ties |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/feb/7/trump-greets-japanese-pm-ishiba-u-steel-deal-tests/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=The Washington Times |language=en-US}} During the meeting, Ishiba praised Trump, describing him as “very sincere.” He also referenced that attempted assassination of Trump that occurred in July 2024, and drew similarities between their domestic regional revitalization policies.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title=Watch: Trump, Japanese prime minister give remarks after meeting |url=https://thehill.com/video-clips/5132309-watch-live-donald-trump-japanese-prime-minister-remarks/amp/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}} When speaking to the press, Trump confirmed that Nippon Steel would invest in US Steel rather than own it.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title=Trump says US Steel will get investment from Nippon Steel, instead of being bought by it |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-ishiba-ussteel-nippon-12dc0eb2239478d571a48f16abcf7238 |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=AP News |language=en}} He also expressed his desire to “eliminate” the United States’ $68 billion trade deficit with Japan, believing there would not be “any problems” in the relationship between the two countries. Despite this, Trump did not rule out the possibility of levying tariffs on Japan, but said it was unlikely.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title=Trump tells Ishiba at the White House that he wants to slash the US trade deficit with Japan |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-ishiba-us-japan-cd84a0e7306ab4b8b7e03bc8b76aa06c |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=AP News |language=en}} During the press conference, Ishiba announced that Japan would be raising its investment in the United States to $1 billion, and that Toyota Motors and Isuzu Motors were planning to build new factories in the United States. On security, Trump said the US would continue to provide Japan with military security assistance, and praised its efforts to increase defense spending. The two also agreed to cooperate on deterring China's economic power and reducing the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons program.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-02-08 |title=【詳しく】日米首脳会談 石破首相「対米投資額1兆ドル規模に」|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250207/k10014716491000.html |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=NHKニュース}} Trump and Ishiba agreed to pursue a "new golden age" for U.S.-Japan relations.{{Cite web |title=Ishiba, Trump vow to pursue "new golden age" of Japan-U.S. ties |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/02/6a11586ad795-ishiba-trump-to-affirm-solid-japan-us-alliance-economic-ties.html |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Kyodo News+}} Trump later announced 24% reciprocal tariffs on all Japanese goods on 2 April 2025.{{Cite web |last=French |first=Alice |last2=Wagatsuma |first2=Aya |date=2025-04-03 |title=Japan's stocks slump on Trump's 24% tariffs and stronger yen |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/03/markets/nikkei-down-tariffs/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}} Ishiba said that the traffis were "difficult to understand" given Japan's economic investment in the United States and it's status as of America's largest trading partners.{{Cite web |last=AFP |title=Japan's prime minister calls Trump's tariffs 'difficult to understand' after carmakers hit by new U.S. levies |url=https://fortune.com/asia/2025/03/28/japan-prime-minister-shigeru-ishiba-trump-tariffs-difficult-to-understand/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Fortune Asia |language=en}}

File:Courtesy Call from Foreign Ministers of China and the ROK (2025) 04.jpg; left) and China (Wang Yi; right) in March 2025.]]

In November 2024, Ishiba urged American President Joe Biden to approve Nippon-US Steel deal, which he ultimately blocked.{{Cite web |title=Japan PM urges Biden to address concerns over U.S. Steel deal |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-PM-urges-Biden-to-address-concerns-over-U.S.-Steel-deal |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=Nikkei Asia |language=en}} Following the decision, Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya visited China in December; the meeting was seen as signs of improving of ties.{{Cite web |title=Japan FM visits China, seeking 'positive direction' for ties – DW – 12/25/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/japan-fm-visits-china-seeking-positive-direction-for-ties/a-71157124 |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=Deutsche Welle |language=en}} Later in January the LDP-led Japan-China Parliamentary Friendship Association made a trip to China. The meeting was the first of the Japan-China Ruling Party Exchange Council since October 2018.{{Cite web |work=The Yomiuri Shimbun |date=2025-01-20 |title=Japan's LDP Secretary General Expected to Become Chairman of Japan-China Parliamentary Friendship Group; Moriyama Set to Take Over from Nikai |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20250120-234076/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |language=en}} In January 2025, Ishiba's government announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be easing visa requirements for Chinese tourists. The plan sparked criticism from within the LDP.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-01-21 |title=自民 中国人の観光ビザ発給要件などの緩和方針 否定意見相次ぐ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250121/k10014698921000.html |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=NHKニュース}} Ishiba's diplomatic stance regarding China was notably criticized by Kōichi Hagiuda, who demanded more thorough explanations for the recent shifts in policy.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-11 |title=萩生田光一氏、岩屋外交を批判…「無政府状態に近い韓国にわざわざ行く」「乱暴」 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20250111-OYT1T50092/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=読売新聞オンライン |language=ja}} A day before Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs were announced, the governments of China and South Korea in coordination with Japan, agreed to jointly respond to the expected tariffs, with the three countries agreeing to strengthen free trade.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-01 |title=Opinion {{!}} In a broken world, China-Japan-Korea cooperation is Asia's backbone |url=https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3304376/broken-world-china-japan-korea-cooperation-asias-backbone |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-30 |title=China, South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen trade ties in response to Trump tariffs |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250330-china-south-korea-and-japan-agree-to-strengthen-free-trade |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=France 24 |language=en}} After Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office as President of South Korea on 4 April 2025, Ishiba stated that "Regardless of administration, cooperation between Japan and South Korea is crucial not only for our security, but also for our country's independence and peace, and for peace and stability in the region."{{Cite web |date=2025-04-04 |title=石破首相、韓国大統領の罷免で「いかなる政権になっても日韓協力は極めて重要」 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20250404-OYT1T50062/ |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=読売新聞オンライン |language=ja}}

In response to tariffs announced by the second Trump administration in the United States, Ishiba established a council of relevant ministers for a whole-of-government response. He referred to the tariff situation as “like a national crisis,” and called on the other political parties to cooperate in presenting a unified front. CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda urged Ishiba to directly negotiate with Trump.{{Cite web |last=日本テレビ |title=“トランプ関税”で与野党会談 石破首相「言うなれば国難」 立憲・野田代表「トランプ氏と直談判を」｜日テレNEWS NNN |url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/politics/378816f42d1f4c39bc726444a33a30c1 |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=日テレNEWS NNN |language=ja-JP}} In response, Ishiba claimed that "Trump is a man who does not like to be criticized" and that "I don't know who to talk to to get through to Trump," a remark that earned criticism from Ishin co-leader Seiji Maehara.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-04 |title=首相「誰と話せばトランプ氏に伝わる？」 与野党党首に吐露した苦悩：朝日新聞 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST443T1ZT44UQIP02RM.html |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=朝日新聞 |language=ja}} Ishiba also faced criticism from the CDP for his response to the tariffs.{{Cite web |last=産経新聞 |date=2025-04-04 |title=トランプ関税「加藤さん、小林さんが首相なら」 立民・原口氏が石破首相の対応を批判 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20250404-GLDOLVQMQBAK3CH4TF2F6K3SNU/ |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=産経新聞：産経ニュース |language=ja}} Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said on 4 April that it was 'theoretically possible' to levy retaliatory tariffs, but only after "after going through the [World Trade Organization] dispute settlement procedure as much as possible."{{Cite web |last=産経新聞 |date=2025-04-04 |title=「報復関税は可能」加藤財務相 トランプ氏の相互関税 自民・大野氏「根拠薄弱で遺憾」 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20250404-7U3I76SYRFBTBKJQKPQUUPGMCM/?997328 |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=産経新聞：産経ニュース |language=ja}} That same day, Ishiba held talks with opposition parties over the tariffs.{{Cite web |title=Ishiba Holds Talks with Other Party Chiefs over Trump Tariffs - JIJI PRESS |url=https://jen.jiji.com/jc/i?g=eco&k=2025040400898 |access-date=2025-04-04 |website=jen.jiji.com}}

In February 2025, Ishiba said that the government would consider offering medical care for sick and wounded residents of the Gaza strip, amidst Israel's war with Hamas that has been ongoing since October 2023. He also said that educational opportunities could also be offered to people from Gaza.{{Cite web |title=Gaza sick, wounded could get medical care in Japan: PM Ishiba |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/gaza-sick-wounded-medical-care-japan-pm-shigeru-ishiba-israel-hamas-4914726 |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=CNA |language=en}}

Similar to his predecessor Fumio Kishida, Ishiba has maintained support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion that began in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Ishiba tells Zelenskyy Japan will stand with Ukraine to achieve peace |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/c7fa0a720a18-update1-japan-pm-ishiba-holds-phone-talks-with-ukrainian-president-zelenskyy.html |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Kyodo News+}} In February 2025, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani revealed that the Japan Self-Defense Forces would provide approximately 30 additional transport vehicles to the Ukrainian military.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-02-04 |title=中谷防衛相 "ウクライナへ自衛隊の車両 約30台を追加提供" |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250204/k10014711801000.html |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=NHKニュース}} After a heated argument between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance during a meeting at the White House that was televised live on 28 February 2025, Ishiba stated that the meeting "took a somewhat unexpected turn and there appears to have been a very emotional exchange of words" and that Japan would "do all it can to prevent divisions between the United States and Ukraine."{{Cite web |title=Japan Prime Minister Ishiba comments on Trump-Zelenskyy talks |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250301_15/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=NHK WORLD |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Japan PM Ishiba pledges to avoid division amid Trump-Zelenskyy row |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/03/ecae738a948c-japan-pm-ishiba-pledges-to-avoid-division-amid-trump-zelenskyy-row.html |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Kyodo News+}} Yoshihiko Noda, the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, accused Ishiba of not having a 'clear message' regarding the break between Trump and Zelenskyy and not 'doing enough' after divisions began to form between the US and Ukraine and Europe. At a press conference in Ōita, Noda stated that "Prime Minister Ishiba has not sent a clear message. Japan's stance is unclear."{{Cite web |date=2025-03-02 |title=アメリカ・ウクライナ関係めぐり「石破首相は全くメッセージが足りない」立憲・野田代表「不満だ」｜FNNプライムオンライン |url=https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/836671 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=FNNプライムオンライン}} In March 2025, Japan adjusted its language on support for Ukraine from “strengthen” to "will maintain” support. The change was made to minimize the difference between Japanese & US policy.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=岩屋毅外相、ウクライナ停戦「アメリカの関与とG7の結束重要」 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA1324Z0T10C25A3000000/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja}}

In February 2025, the Defense Ministries of Japan and the Philippines agreed to establish a high-level framework to help expand defense equipment and technology exports from Japan.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Jesse |date=2025-02-24 |title=Japan and Philippines to establish high-level defense gear framework |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/24/japan/politics/japan-philippine-defense-ministers/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

On 13 March 2025, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper revealed that several LDP members of parliament who were elected for the first time in the 2024 general election received gift certificates from the office of Ishiba in early March.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-13 |title=石破首相側が15人の議員側に商品券配布 10万円ずつか、複数証言：朝日新聞 |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/AST3F35BJT3FUQIP002M.html |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=朝日新聞 |language=ja}} Ishiba’s office later confirmed that he had distributed gift certificates worth approximately ¥100,000 ($676) each to about a dozen lawmakers as "souvenirs” intended to be used to purchase new suits. Ishiba claimed the certificates were paid from his personal funds and were not intended for political activities but as a supplement for living expenses.{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-03-14 |title=石破首相 自民議員に商品券配る「法的問題なし」野党は追及へ |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250313/k10014749141000.html |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=NHKニュース}} According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, most of the lawmakers decided to return the gift certificates instead of using them. The incident took place while discussions were underway in the Diet on the transparency of political funds, particularly regarding corporate and organizational donations.{{Cite web |title=石破首相、自民党１５議員に商品券１０万円分を配布…新年度予算案の審議に影響する可能性（読売新聞オンライン） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1974dd51b28c714acaca11db6f0dc4761ce14eb9 |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}} Ishiba had met with Komeito Chief Representative Tetsuo Saito the day before, who pledged his party's support for him; earlier in the week upper house LDP lawmaker Shoji Nishida publicly stated that Ishiba should be replaced by a new party President.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=公明党・斉藤鉄夫代表「石破政権を支える」 首相と面会 |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA128920S5A310C2000000/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=日本経済新聞 |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |date=2025-03-12 |title=自民 西田参院議員"新年度予算案成立後 新総裁選び直すべき" |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250312/k10014747451000.html |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=NHKニュース}} Former LDP leadership rival Takayuki Kobayashi criticized Ishiba yesterday over the scandal, saying that it would be hard for the public to understand the position and that such an incident should not happen again.{{Cite web |title=自民・小林鷹之氏「国民に理解されない」 石破首相の商品券問題 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20250317/k00/00m/010/170000c |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=毎日新聞 |language=ja}} Ishiba, who was elected as LDP President on a reformist platform, was widely criticized by opposition lawmakers. CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda promised to pursue inquiries over the incident in the Diet.{{Cite web |title=首相 商品券巡り改めて違法性否定 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6532333 |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}} Osaka Prefecture Governor and Japan Innovation Party co-leader Hirofumi Yoshimura criticized Ishiba’s actions.{{Cite tweet |number=1900349731265716369 |user=hiroyoshimura |title=首相 商品券巡り改めて違法性否定 2025年3月14日 →これはダメだと思います。しかし、政治とお金をただそうとやってきてるのに、残念です。 |first=Hirofumi |last=Yoshimura |date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025}} The Political Funds Control Act prohibits donations of cash or securities to individual politicians; the 100,000 yen in gift certificates in this case could have been considered a 'donation’ in this case. The incident came four months before the 2025 Japanese House of Councillors election scheduled for July.

Ishiba has been criticized for several gaffes while in office. In October 2024, it emerged that government officials had edited an official photograph of Ishiba's cabinet to hide signs of Ishiba looking unkempt.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2yg72lv07o |title=Japan's government admits editing cabinet photo |publisher=BBC |date=2024-10-07 |access-date=2024-11-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007110643/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2yg72lv07o |archive-date=7 October 2024 |url-status=live}} In November 2024, he appeared to have slept during a session of the Diet.{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/6289b266bff9-ishiba-suspected-of-falling-asleep-during-diet-session-to-select-pm.html |title=Ishiba suspected of falling asleep during Diet session to select PM |publisher=Kyodo News|date=2024-11-11|access-date=2024-11-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111171020/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/6289b266bff9-ishiba-suspected-of-falling-asleep-during-diet-session-to-select-pm.html |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}} At the APEC Peru 2024 summit, he was again criticized for greeting other world leaders while seated and watching a dance at the summit's welcoming ceremony with his arms crossed.{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/398241f3b9b9-japan-pm-ishiba-criticized-for-bad-manners-at-apec-summit.html |title=Japan PM Ishiba criticized for "bad manners" at APEC summit |publisher=Kyodo News|date=2024-11-20 |access-date=2024-11-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120030624/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/11/398241f3b9b9-japan-pm-ishiba-criticized-for-bad-manners-at-apec-summit.html |archive-date=20 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In another incident, he was seen publicly eating onigiri whole and munching on it without closing his mouth.{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241129-japan-government-approves-92-bn-extra-budget |title=Japan government approves $92 bn extra budget |publisher=France 24 |date=2024-11-29 |access-date=2024-11-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129142624/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241129-japan-government-approves-92-bn-extra-budget |archive-date=29 November 2024 |url-status=live}}

File:Defense.gov photo essay 071108-D-7203T-012.jpg in November 2007]]

Ishiba has been described as a centrist, a moderate conservative,{{Cite web |last=産経新聞 |date=28 September 2024 |title=＜主張＞自民総裁に石破氏 保守の精神踏まえ前進を 外交安保政策の継承が重要だ 社説 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20240928-ZQWPFHRUFBPALP3NUGABOBDVAI/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=産経新聞：産経ニュース |language=ja |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928161842/https://www.sankei.com/article/20240928-ZQWPFHRUFBPALP3NUGABOBDVAI/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=石破新総裁で中国は一定の安堵か 「対中強硬派」高市氏よりは穏健 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240927/k00/00m/010/251000c |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=毎日新聞 |language=ja |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928162003/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240927/k00/00m/010/251000c |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=27 September 2024 |title=自民党新総裁に石破氏：識者はこうみる |url=https://jp.reuters.com/markets/japan/NQCLXRFOJZOADG7H7MK65F4LYY-2024-09-27/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |work=Reuters |language=ja |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044910/https://jp.reuters.com/markets/japan/NQCLXRFOJZOADG7H7MK65F4LYY-2024-09-27/ |url-status=live }} and a reformist,{{Cite web |last=Bieger |first=Johanna |date=30 September 2024 |title=Shigeru Ishiba – The LDP Reformer? |url=https://www.kas.de/en/country-reports/detail/-/content/shigeru-ishiba-the-ldp-reformer |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007093136/https://www.kas.de/en/country-reports/detail/-/content/shigeru-ishiba-the-ldp-reformer |archive-date=7 October 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=27 September 2024 |title=Japan's ruling party picks Shigeru Ishiba to become next PM |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/27/japan-shigeru-ishiba-prime-minister-liberal-democratic-party |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927075306/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/27/japan-shigeru-ishiba-prime-minister-liberal-democratic-party |url-status=live}} particularly during the 2024 Liberal Democratic Party presidential election. While he was cited as a member of the ultranationalist far-right organisation Nippon Kaigi,"日本会議の全貌——知られざる巨大組織の実態" Yoshifumi Tawara、2016/06/17。{{ISBN|9784763407818}}"日本会議と神社本庁" ("Japan Conference and the Association of Shinto shrines") Muneo Narusawa 2016/06/28。{{ISBN|9784865720105}} he has been criticized by nationalist commentators for his "traitorous acts", and for being "anti-Japan",{{Cite web |title=石破茂氏はなぜ「保守」に嫌われるのか？～自民党きっての国防通が保守界隈から批判される理由～（古谷経衡） – エキスパート |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/8cc97142f18030a8e6740e11177055898387c7c3 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240909095130/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/8cc97142f18030a8e6740e11177055898387c7c3 |archive-date=9 September 2024|url-status=live}} and has pointed to Japan's failure to face its war responsibilities as underlying "many of its problems".{{Cite web |title=「ハト派」「四転び五起きの主人公」 韓国メディア、石破氏当選を速報 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240927/k00/00m/030/309000c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927102806/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240927/k00/00m/030/309000c |archive-date=27 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=毎日新聞 |language=ja}}

Ishiba has expressed support for introducing a selective dual surname system, which would allow married couples the option to retain their respective surnames. Ishiba has stated that this change should be subject to further discussion within the LDP to reach a consensus.{{Cite web |date=27 September 2024 |title=Dual Surname Plaintiffs Hopeful about New LDP Pres. Ishiba |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024092701101/dual-surname-plaintiffs-hopeful-about-new-ldp-pres-ishiba.html |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=nippon.com |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928162858/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024092701101/dual-surname-plaintiffs-hopeful-about-new-ldp-pres-ishiba.html |url-status=live }} In his book, Conservative Politician (2024) he has expressed his support for same-sex marriage in Japan: "From the perspective of guaranteeing fundamental human rights, as long as there are citizens whose rights are being obstructed, it is necessary to enact legislation as soon as possible, without having to wait for the Supreme Court's decision."{{Cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15695728|title=LDP keeps same-sex marriage discussion on the back-burner|website=reuters.com|access-date=2025-04-03}} However, after becoming prime minister, Ishiba stated he would take relevant court rulings into consideration since the country's constitution regulated marriages.{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240926/p2g/00m/0na/020000c|title=Next Japan PM to face pressure on protection of LGBT rights|newspaper=Mainichi Daily News |publisher=Mainichi|access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927024507/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240926/p2g/00m/0na/020000c |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15434346|title=Same-sex marriage backed by CDP candidates while LDP mostly silent|publisher=Asahi|access-date=3 October 2024|archive-date=20 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920132154/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15434346 |url-status=live}} On 17 December 2024, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made the following statement about same-sex marriage during a parliamentary session: “I have met concerned individuals, and I can see that being together is the most precious thing to them. While there is no ‘scale’ for measuring the national happiness, I believe that fulfilling these deepest wishes would have a positive and beneficial impact on the overall well-being of Japan".{{Cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15553727|title=Ishiba expresses sympathy for same-sex couples but no legal step|website=reuters.com|access-date=2024-12-17}}

In a 2004 speech to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF), Ishiba, then Director General of the Japan Defense Agency, said that the SDF "has sometimes been made fun of as the 'autistic forces.' It's the autistic forces as in autistic children." The remark was apparently intended as a pun, as the word he used for "autistic forces" (自閉隊, Jihei-tai) sounds similar to the word for Self-Defence Forces (自衛隊; Jiei-tai).{{Cite web |date=20 March 2004 |title=Ishiba sorry for 'autistic forces' jibe |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2004/03/20/national/ishiba-sorry-for-autistic-forces-jibe/ |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=The Japan Times |language=en|archive-date=22 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922124255/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2004/03/20/national/ishiba-sorry-for-autistic-forces-jibe/ |url-status=live}} The comment was meant to criticize the SDF for their poor communication, which resulted in a lack of public understanding about their activities. His comment was criticized as being inappropriate and showing a lack of awareness for autistic people.{{Cite web |date=16 March 2003 |title=自衛隊は「自閉隊」 石破長官が不適切発言 |url=http://www.47news.jp/CN/200403/CN2004031601004761.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924233945/http://www.47news.jp/CN/200403/CN2004031601004761.html |archive-date=24 September 2011 |language=ja |newspaper=47NEWS. 共同通信 (全国新聞ネット)}}{{Cite web |date=17 March 2004 |title=「自衛隊は『自閉隊』と言われていた」 石破防衛庁長官 |url=http://www2.asahi.com/special/jieitai/TKY200403160319.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405013339/http://www2.asahi.com/special/jieitai/TKY200403160319.html |archive-date=5 April 2004 |language=ja |newspaper=The Asahi Shimbun (朝日新聞社)}}{{Cite web |date=19 March 2004 |title=「自閉隊」発言を陳謝 引用不適切だったと石破氏 |url=http://www.47news.jp/CN/200403/CN2004031901000961.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222140143/http://www.47news.jp/CN/200403/CN2004031901000961.html |archive-date=22 December 2011 |language=ja |newspaper=47NEWS. 共同通信 (全国新聞ネット)}} Ishiba later apologized for the comparison, saying "I had read an article that had such a reference, but (my remarks) were truly inappropriate", and added: "It is an undeniable fact that my remarks have hurt relevant parties, and I sincerely apologize. I will have to reflect (on my actions) and caution myself against repeating such an act."

As a representative for a rural district in Tottori Prefecture (with the smallest population among the forty-seven prefectures) and former "Minister in charge of Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy", Ishiba regularly emphasized the need to address socioeconomic inequality between Japan's urban centers and rural areas, the latter of which faces population decline, aging demographics, and economic stagnation. On election night, Ishiba called on the LDP to propose a supplementary budget for the 2024 fiscal year, aimed at financing a stimulus package to help rural areas cope with rising costs.{{Cite web |last1=Kuroki |first1=Kentaro |last2=Yamasaki |first2=Takafumi |date=28 September 2024 |title=Japan's Newly Elected LDP President Vows to 'Protect' Regional Areas; Ishiba Eyes Making Regional Areas More Attractive to Young People |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20240928-213924/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |language=en |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930091911/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20240928-213924/ |url-status=live}}

Ishiba intends to maintain the economic policies under Kishida's premiership to steer Japan out of years of deflation. He has called for a more "fair" tax system and seeks to increase taxes such as the capital gains tax. He believes the economy can only improve if consumption increases and stated his commitment to raising the minimum wage to 1,500 yen per hour by the end of the decade.

File:Prime Minister Ishiba meeting with President of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol (2024).jpg in November 2024]]

File:Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meeting President of China Xi Jinping during APEC Peru 2024 02.jpg during the APEC Peru 2024 on 15 November 2024]]

During the 2013 North Korean crisis, Ishiba stated that Japan had the right to deliver a preemptive strike against North Korea.{{Cite web |title=Japan Claims Right to Preemptive Strike on N.Korea |url=https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/04/15/2013041501034.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418063010/https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/04/15/2013041501034.html |archive-date=18 April 2013 |website=The Chosun Ilbo}} Ishiba is a vocal supporter of Taiwanese democracy.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tim |date=27 September 2024 |title=Incoming Japan PM Ishiba's 'Asian NATO' idea test for US diplomacy |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/incoming-japan-pm-ishibas-asian-nato-idea-test-us-diplomacy-2024-09-27/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928011015/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/incoming-japan-pm-ishibas-asian-nato-idea-test-us-diplomacy-2024-09-27/ |archive-date=28 September 2024 |website=Reuters}} At the same time, he has called for stronger diplomacy and engagement with China, rather than antagonism.

In his memoir written during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ishiba argued that equating the Russian invasion with a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan stems more from emotional reactions rather than a pragmatic evaluation of the Chinese threat. Ishiba has criticized Fumio Kishida's use of the phrase "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow".{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Michelle Ye Hee |last2=Inuma |first2=Julia Mio |date=27 September 2024 |title=Japan's ruling party elects Shigeru Ishiba as new prime minister |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/09/27/japan-new-prime-minister-leader-shigeru-ishiba/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927073939/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/09/27/japan-new-prime-minister-leader-shigeru-ishiba/|archive-date=27 September 2024|url-status=live}} In 2024, he stated that the reason the US did not defend Ukraine is that Ukraine is not part of a collective self-defense system like NATO.{{Cite web |date=10 September 2024 |title=Shigeru Ishiba on Japan's New Security Era: The Future of Japan's Foreign Policy |url=https://www.hudson.org/politics-government/shigeru-ishiba-japans-new-security-era-future-japans-foreign-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927175400/https://www.hudson.org/politics-government/shigeru-ishiba-japans-new-security-era-future-japans-foreign-policy |archive-date=27 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=Hudson Institute |language=en}} Ishiba argued that the war transformed the global security environment and with the absence of such a collective self-defense system in Asia, wars are more likely to break out in the region as there is no obligation for mutual defense. He therefore stated that an Asian collective security alliance is necessary in order to deter China.

File:Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Bongbong Marcos in Manila (2025) 05.jpg in Manila in April 2025]]

In September 2024, Ishiba claimed that the "relative decline of U.S. might" necessitates an Asian version of NATO to counter security threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. With the US-Japan alliance at its core, Ishiba proposed strengthening alliance relationships with Australia, Canada, the Philippines, India, France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea in order to form this "Asian NATO". He said that one of the policy's main goals is to protect Japan and that "the security environment surrounding us is the toughest since the end of World War II."{{Cite web |title=New Prime Minister Ishiba vows to push a strong defense under the Japan-U.S. alliance |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15449727 |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=The Asahi Shimbun |archive-date=4 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004162221/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15449727|url-status=live }} This proposed security alliance was quickly dismissed by Daniel Kritenbrink, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also does not agree with Ishiba's idea for an Asian NATO as it does not fit with India's strategic goals.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-does-not-share-japanese-pm-shigeru-ishibas-view-of-asian-nato/article68706611.ece|title=India does not share Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba's view of 'Asian NATO', says Jaishankar|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001173552/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-does-not-share-japanese-pm-shigeru-ishibas-view-of-asian-nato/article68706611.ece |archive-date=1 October 2024|url-status=live}} In response to Ishiba's comments regarding an Asian version of NATO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China spokesperson Lin Jian stated that "China hopes that Japan will learn from history, follow a path of peaceful development, abide by the principles and common understandings established in the four political documents between the two sides [China and Japan], have an objective and right perception of China, take active and rational China policy, take concrete efforts to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and work with China to promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations."{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202409/t20240927_11499151.html|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on September 27, 2024|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China|access-date=5 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003091700/https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/202409/t20240927_11499151.html |archive-date=3 October 2024 |url-status=live}} The Jakarta Post criticized the idea, claiming that it is aimed at "unifying all available forces to band together against China, which would be considered very offensive for the 10-member ASEAN".{{cite news | url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20241012/p2g/00m/0in/024000c | title=Japan PM Ishiba opts for pragmatic diplomacy, no talk of Asian NATO | newspaper=Mainichi Daily News | date=12 October 2024 }} During his first visit to Laos as prime minister, Ishiba did not mention anything related to the Asian NATO idea to reporters. On March 11, 2025, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon remarked during a visit to Manila that the Asian NATO idea is a way to go if it provides security in a peaceful manner and said "any initiative that promotes security, peace and solidarity among the countries in the region is a step in the right direction".{{Cite web|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1245848|title=Slovenia on 'Asian NATO': Pro-security moves 'step in right direction'|website=www.pna.gov.ph}}

File:Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends the G20 Summit in Brazil (54150292910).jpg at the 2024 G20 Rio de Janeiro summit]]

While campaigning, Ishiba stated that Japan's alliance with the US, which he referred to as asymmetrical, should be re-balanced and called for greater Japanese oversight of American military bases in Japan. He said Japan should use the Special Relationship between the US, UK and France as a model for creating an alliance with the US as equal partners. To become an equal partner, he said Japan must have its own military strategy and a "security system that can protect its own nation by itself". He also suggested that Japan Self-Defense Forces could be placed in Guam to strengthen the deterrence capabilities of the Japan-US alliance.

On his first call as prime minister with President Joe Biden, Ishiba said that he wants to further strengthen the U.S.–Japan Alliance. However, he did not mention his desire to make changes to the bilateral forces agreement that would be required in order to make the alliance more symmetrical. He said that he would find the chance to raise the issue with Biden in the future.

Following his victory in the 2024 LDP presidential election, some South Korean media outlets have described Ishiba as a "dove" in regards to his perception of Japan's accountability in World War II. For example, in 2019 when South Korea decided to terminate the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) during the Japan–South Korea trade dispute, Ishiba stated that root of many of the problems between Japan and South Korea is Japan's failure to face up to its wartime responsibility.{{Cite web |title=「歴史問題」前向きな石破総裁…党内支持基盤弱く限界も【ニュース分析】（ハンギョレ新聞） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/6506e4910a8f60f5ace05ac246705789e6202172 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044912/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/6506e4910a8f60f5ace05ac246705789e6202172 |archive-date=30 September 2024 |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}} However, in October 2024, Ishiba sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine, which drew criticism from South Korea.{{cite news |title=New Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba sends offering to Yasukuni war shrine |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/new-japan-pm-shigeru-ishiba-sends-offering-to-yasukuni-war-shrine/article68765153.ece |work=The Hindu |date=18 October 2024}}

Ishiba has criticised Japan and its government during World War II, stating that "The government concluded that Japan was doomed to lose a war, yet entered it anyway. They should be held accountable for that", and similarly saying that "I cannot understand why their actions that led to the defeat of the country, without giving accurate answers to Emperor Shōwa's questions and without informing the public of the truth, are being left unquestioned as 'we are all heroes once we die.'"{{cite news |title=Ishiba talks on World War 2|work=Sankei |issue=111–118 |publisher=Sankei Shimbun |date=2008}} He said of the Tokyo Trials that, regardless of the issues in retroactively applying law, Japan is what it is because they "accepted the trials". He further stated that the Tokyo Trials did not condemn everything in pre-war Japan as wrong, and that those who argue the Trials were invalid due to the retroactively applying law argue that there were no mistakes in pre-war Japan at all. He argued there was both wrong and right in the pre-war era. Regarding the Nanjing Massacre, Ishiba said: "At the very least, the way prisoners of war were treated was incorrect, and military discipline was broken. We must also examine the civilian casualties which happened." He has refrained from using the word massacre to describe it. When it comes to comfort women, he has stated there was "coercion in the narrow sense", clarifying he meant forced abduction by the government and military.

File:The Haiden or central hall of worship at Yasukuni Jinja (9409516025).jpg in Tokyo]]

Regarding visits to Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including convicted Japanese war criminals,{{cite news |title=Ishiba sends offering to war-linked Yasukuni Shrine |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/10/17/japan/japan-ishiba-yasukuni-shrine/ |work=The Japan Times |date=17 October 2024}} by state officials and statements rejecting the Japanese war crimes during World War II, he has questioned if this is in national interest, citing incidents where countries such as South Korea have become upset at the nation for rejecting responsibility for World War II and Japanese colonisation. Specifically as it comes to Yasukuni, he has argued there is no need for active politicians to visit the shrine, citing that it is the Emperor's responsibility to visit the dead. He has said that it is particularly inappropriate for a prime minister to visit the Yasukuni Shrine due to concerns from China and South Korea. He has criticized visits by politicians as not essential to creating an environment where laws can be passed.{{cite web |last1=Ishiba |first1=Shigeru |title=田母神・前空幕長の論文から思うこと |url=http://ishiba-shigeru.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2008/11/post-8451.html |website=Shigeru Ishiba's Blog |access-date=30 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929105135/http://ishiba-shigeru.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2008/11/post-8451.html |archive-date=29 September 2024|url-status=live}} Ishiba has not visited the shrine since he gained his first cabinet post in 2002. He instead visits his local Gokoku Shrines every 15 August. He is also an advocate of separating Class A war criminals from the shrine.{{cite web |title=靖国問題、Ａ級戦犯の分祀で一致 自民総裁選５候補 |url=http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/seiji/20080915AT3S1401014092008.html |website=NIKKEI NET |publisher=Nikkei |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916174327/http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/seiji/20080915AT3S1401014092008.html |access-date=30 September 2024|archive-date=16 September 2008 }} He has defended the Murayama Statement, commenting after Sanae Takaichi said she felt uncomfortable with the statement in 2013 that he would like the party to "refrain from making misleading statements".{{cite web |title=高市氏「発言慎む」 村山談話巡り |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASFS1401B_U3A510C1PP8000/ |website=NIKKEI ONLINE |date=14 May 2013 |publisher=Nikkei |access-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170110162028/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASFS1401B_U3A510C1PP8000/ |archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live}}

Ishiba is known as a gunji otaku (military geek) and has a keen interest in military matters. He is known for having a lot of expertise related to weapons systems, legal issues about defense, and is also fond of building and painting models of aircraft and ships.{{Cite web |date=27 September 2007 |title='Military geek' Ishiba returns to friendly territory |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20070927a4.html |access-date=7 August 2022 |newspaper=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131022144855/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20070927a4.html |archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=dead}} Ishiba has repeatedly stated that he believes that Japan needs its own equivalent of the United States Marine Corps to be able to defend its many small islands. In 2010 when he was policy chief for the LDP in opposition,{{Cite web |date=25 May 2010 |title=Japan needs own marines: LDP's Ishiba |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/05/25/national/japan-needs-own-marines-ldps-ishiba/#.UVEMQI5JYpo |access-date=7 August 2022 |newspaper=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181116053740/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/05/25/national/japan-needs-own-marines-ldps-ishiba/#.UVEMQI5JYpo |archive-date=16 November 2018|url-status=live}} and as secretary-general of the party in March 2013 after the LDP regained government.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2013 |title=Ishiba urges creation of 'goddamn' Japanese marine corps |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20130325_24.html |access-date=7 August 2022 |newspaper=The Japan Times |language=en-US |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130328124637/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20130325_24.html |archive-date=28 March 2013|url-status=dead}}

In 2011, Ishiba backed the idea of Japan maintaining the capability of building nuclear weapons. He said: "I don't think Japan needs to possess nuclear weapons, but it's important to maintain our commercial reactors because it would allow us to produce a nuclear warhead in a short amount of time ... It's a tacit nuclear deterrent."{{cite news |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970203658804576638392537430156 |title=In Japan, Provocative Case for Staying Nuclear |author=Chester Dawson |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=28 October 2011 |accessdate=8 March 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131025222134/https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970203658804576638392537430156 |archive-date=25 October 2013|url-status=live}} In 2017, Ishiba reiterated: "Japan should have the technology to build a nuclear weapon if it wants to do so."{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/06/national/japan-able-build-nuclear-weapons-ex-ldp-secretary-general-ishiba/|title=Japan should be able to build nuclear weapons: ex-LDP Secretary-General Ishiba|date=6 November 2017|work=The Japan Times|access-date=7 November 2017|language=en-US|issn=0447-5763|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171106110355/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/06/national/japan-able-build-nuclear-weapons-ex-ldp-secretary-general-ishiba/ |archive-date=6 November 2017|url-status=live}} In 2024, Ishiba said the region should consider introducing nuclear weapons if it wants an Asian version of NATO.

File:Ishiba interacting with Myaku-Myaku plushie, 1 April 2025.webm plushie to promote the 2025 Osaka Expo, 1 April 2025]]

Ishiba met his wife Yoshiko Nakamura when they were both students at Keio University. They married in 1983 and have two daughters. Ishiba is a Christian,{{cite news |last1=McCurry |first1=Justin |title=Who is Japan's new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/27/who-is-new-japan-prime-minister-shigeru-ishiba |access-date=28 September 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=27 September 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928150303/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/27/who-is-new-japan-prime-minister-shigeru-ishiba |url-status=live }} specifically a Protestant. He was baptised at the age of 18 in the Tottori Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan. In recent years he has attended the Evangelical CBMC's National Prayer Breakfast. He also visits the Buddhist graves of his ancestors and worships at a Shinto shrine.{{Cite news |title=今週のニュース |newspaper=キリスト新聞 |publisher=キリスト新聞社 |date=22 May 2006 |language=ja}}

Ishiba is known as an "otaku" with a very high interest in the military, vehicles, and trains, and keeps a large collection of military-related plastic models, some of which are displayed at his office in the Diet. The Guardian described him as a "bookish idealist" in 2024.{{Cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=2024-12-19 |title=Will Japan's close ties with US survive the caprice and quirks of Donald Trump? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/19/japan-close-ties-us-survive-fads-quirks-donald-trump |access-date=2024-12-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} He is also a fan of the 1970s idol group Candies, is known to ride on sleeper trains to Tottori Prefecture as part of his interest in railways, and regards novelists Soseki Natsume and Ogai Mori as two of his favorite authors. Ishiba is also known as an avid reader, wherein he is noted to read three books daily, and stated that he "prefers reading more than mingle with his party collegues".{{cite news |title=Who is Shigeru Ishiba, the outsider set to lead Japan? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/shigeru-ishiba-outsider-set-lead-japan-2024-09-27/ |date=2024-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008040545/https://www.reuters.com/world/japan/shigeru-ishiba-outsider-set-lead-japan-2024-09-27/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |url-status=live}} He is also the head of an intraparty ramen society that was established to promote the dish. Ishiba became the first prime minister to attend the Tokyo Girls Collection fashion show on 1 March 2025, seeking to promote a “cute, lively and cool” Japan, notably sporting a pair of jeans and sneakers. The event doubled as a promotion for the 2025 Osaka World Expo that is set to take place in April.{{Cite web |work=The Yomiuri Shimbun |date=2025-03-03 |title=Ishiba Drops in on Tokyo Girls Collection, Looking to Pump Up Audience for Osaka-Kansai Expo |url=https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250303-241245/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-01 |title=Japan's PM admits to being 'extremely nervous' as he swaps functionality for style at fashion show |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-ishiba-tokyo-girls-collection-cool-6efd96554e29a3c8c02bec1579c543e0 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Despite being members of opposing parties, Ishiba is personal friends with CDP Leader Yoshihiko Noda, the leader of the opposition since 2024.{{Cite web |last=梶原麻衣子 |date=2024-09-07 |title=自民党総裁選で注目の石破茂 ×立民・ 野田佳彦が対談で語った「きちんと議論する国会を取り戻す」覚悟 |url=https://nikkan-spa.jp/2031837 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=日刊SPA! |language=ja}} He is also on good personal terms with Ishin co-leader Seiji Maehara, bonding over their shared love and appreciation of trains and occasionally riding trains together.{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Eric |date=2025-02-23 |title=Party heads' love of trains could keep budget talks from derailing |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/02/23/japan/politics/party-leaders-train-fans/?utm_source=pianodnu&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=72&tpcc=dnu&pnespid=ovspnnzfuvdl9kii.bmxpeon_a4qpitkwbulgra.rvavuqeugz1q9ideqcllh8ng2xybvp8 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}

Ishiba made headlines when he allowed a Japan Self-Defense Forces vehicle to be displayed at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, a trade fair for plastic and radio-controlled models. During the visit of former United States Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker in 2002, Ishiba presented a plastic model of the Lockheed P-3 Orion in their meeting at his office. When the Russian Defence Minister visited Japan, Ishiba was said to have stayed up all night assembling a plastic model of the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.{{Cite web |title=プラモデル作りとラーメンを愛する:日本の次期総理大臣のこだわり |trans-title=Loves building plastic models and eating ramen: The obsessions of Japan's next prime minister |url=https://www.arabnews.jp/article/japan/article_130253/ |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=Arab News Japan |language=ja |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928162221/https://www.arabnews.jp/article/japan/article_130253/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=「軍事オタクでプラモデル愛好家」石破元防衛大臣、ベーカー駐日大使と会談時に米軍の哨戒機P3のプラモデルを披露 |trans-title=Former Defense Minister Ishiba, a "military geek and plastic model enthusiast," showed off a plastic model of the U.S. military's P3 patrol aircraft during a meeting with Ambassador Baker. |url=https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/2298448?page=1 |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=Abema Times |date=15 March 2019 |language=ja |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044912/https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/2298448?page=1 |url-status=live }}

Ishiba is also known to be a heavy smoker.{{cite news |title=Japan PM Ishiba struggling to find time to smoke at work |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/d62905edd8e6-japan-pm-ishiba-struggling-to-find-time-to-smoke-at-work.html |date=15 January 2025 |work=Kyodo News}}

• Nippon Kaigi Parliamentary League{{cite journal |title=Ishiba cannot rival Abe for Japan leadership yet |url=https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/OXAN-DB223607/full/html |access-date=27 September 2024 |journal=Oxford Analytica Daily Brief Service |series=Emerald Expert Briefings |date=4 August 2017 |volume=oxan-db |issue=oxan-db |doi=10.1108/OXAN-DB223607 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928163010/https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/OXAN-DB223607/full/html |url-status=live }} (far-right lobby group)
• Shinseiren Diet Members' Conference{{cite web |url=https://www.sinseiren.org/ |title=応援しています！ |date=9 September 2024 |website=Shinseiren |access-date=27 September 2024 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701040952/https://www.sinseiren.org/ |url-status=live }} (:jp:神道政治連盟国会議員懇談会)
• Cross-Party Parliamentary League for Considering Human Rights Diplomacy{{cite web |url=https://jinken-gaikou.org/ |title=Cross-Party Parliamentary League for Considering Human Rights Diplomacy |date=2021 |website=jinken-gaikou |access-date=27 September 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928162903/https://jinken-gaikou.org/ |url-status=live }} (:jp:人権外交を超党派で考える議員連盟)

• {{cite book |last1=Ishiba |first1=Shigeru |title=保守政治家: わが政策、わが天命 [A Conservative Politician — My Policies, My Fate] |date=7 August 2024 |publisher=Kodansha |isbn=9784065369975 |language=Japanese}}{{cite news |last1=Ninivaggi |first1=Gabriele |title=Is it fifth time's the charm for Shigeru Ishiba? |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/14/japan/politics/ishibataiwan-ldp-presidential-election/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=The Japan Times |date=14 August 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928162903/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/08/14/japan/politics/ishibataiwan-ldp-presidential-election/ |url-status=live }}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
• [http://agora-web.jp/archives/author/shigeruishiba 石破茂]-アゴラ
• [http://ishiba-shigeru.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/ 石破茂（いしばしげる）ブログ]
• {{YouTube|user=ishibach|イシバチャンネル}}

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{{Prime Ministers of Japan}}

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