LDP factions

Kishida came to power at a fraught time for Japan, both at home and in its foreign relations.

The new Japanese prime minister will find it a challenge to unite his divided party while also winning the confidence of an increasingly skeptical electorate.

Kishida Fumio won the ruling party’s leadership election to become Japan’s next prime minister despite widespread public support for runner up Kono Taro.

The backgrounds and formative influences of the candidates are a particularly rich trove of information, given the powerful role of factional lineages and dynastic politics in Japan.

If Kishida Fumio, Japan's longest-serving foreign minister, becomes prime minister, what will his foreign policy agenda look like?

With the “scaled-down” presidential election, LDP’s intra-party politics comes to the fore.

The results were an indication of ballot box strength, but Abe's pending Cabinet reshuffle will be equally telling.

Despite his scandals, Abe is well-positioned win the LDP's presidential election this fall.

Compared to the past, China has been relatively restrained in its criticism of Abe.

Despite a drastic public opinion slide, Abe's new cabinet was remarkably consistent.