Ishiba Shigeru elected LDP leader

Sep 27 (NHK) - Ishiba Shigeru has been elected leader of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The former LDP Secretary-General is now virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister.

The 67-year-old Ishiba was first elected to the Lower House in 1986. He was 29, making him the youngest Diet member at the time.

Ishiba beat Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae in a runoff, winning 215 votes to Takaichi's 194.

He has held several ministerial positions, including defense minister, as well as executive posts within the LDP.

This was his fifth, and he claimed final, attempt at becoming party leader.

Ishiba Shigeru elected LDP leader

Ishiba Shigeru has been elected leader of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The former LDP Secretary-General is now virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister. (NHK)

Hakamada Case Ends With Acquittal After 58 Years

The Hakamada case, a decades-long legal struggle, ended with an acquittal for Iwao Hakamada (88), who, along with his sister Hideko, fought for 58 years. Hakamada was suspected of the 1966 murder of a miso company executive’s family.

Japan launches information-gathering satellite on H2A rocket

A Japanese government information-gathering satellite has successfully been put into a planned orbit around Earth. (NHK)

New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

Japan's National Police Agency is introducing new patrol cars equipped with red lights designed to assist people with hearing impairments, flashing differently depending on whether the vehicle is on an emergency run or a routine patrol.

Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

Yamagata University, which has been conducting research on the Nazca geoglyphs in Peru, announced the discovery of over 300 new geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects, including humans and animals.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan election: Voting underway to pick governing party leader

Voting is underway in Japan to choose a new president of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, who is certain to become the new Prime Minister. A record nine candidates are vying for the top job with the winner being announced on Friday. (Al Jazeera)

Hyogo governor announces he will run again after losing seat

The governor of Japan's Hyogo Prefecture has opted to lose his seat after a no-confidence vote last week. Saito Motohiko says he will not dissolve the assembly and accepts that on Monday he will lose his job. (NHK)

Japanese Ambassador Visits Dalian Following Student Death

Following the tragic stabbing and death of a child attending a Japanese school in China, Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, visited a local city to urge the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals residing in the area, as concerns grew among the local Japanese community.