Who Is Shigeru Ishiba? Age, Biography and Wiki
Shigeru Ishiba was born on November 15, 1959, making him 65 years old as of 2025. He is a prominent Japanese politician and member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba has held various positions in Japanese politics and was appointed as Prime Minister in 2024. He is well-known for his strong stances on national security and regional development.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
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Popularity
Shigeru Ishiba's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Shigeru Ishiba stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 150 pounds (68 kg). His physicality reflects an active lifestyle, which he believes is crucial for leaders facing the demands of their roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Shigeru Ishiba is married, with a family that includes two children. While he tends to keep his personal life private, Ishiba values family and often emphasizes the importance of familial bonds in his public speeches. There are no recent updates regarding a boyfriend, girlfriend, or any extramarital affairs, hinting at his commitment to his spouse.
After graduating from Keio University, Ishiba worked at a bank before entering politics after his father's death. Ishiba was elected to the House of Representatives in the 1986 general election as a member of the LDP at the age of 29. As a Diet member, Ishiba specialized in agricultural policy and defense policy.
He served as parliamentary vice minister of agriculture under the premiership of Kiichi Miyazawa but left the LDP in 1993 to join the Japan Renewal Party.
After transitioning through several parties and returning to the LDP in 1997, Ishiba held various prominent positions, including Director-General of the Defense Agency under the premiership of Junichiro Koizumi, Minister of Defense under the premiership of Yasuo Fukuda and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the premiership of Tar
ō Asō.
Net Worth and Salary
Shigeru Ishiba's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million in 2025. As Prime Minister, his annual salary is approximately $200,000, along with other government allowances and benefits. Ishiba has been prudent with his finances, reflecting a responsible approach to wealth management.
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.
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.
Career, Business, and Investments
Shigeru Ishiba's career spans several decades in public service. Before becoming Prime Minister, he held key positions such as Minister of Defense and Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications. Ishiba has been actively involved in economic reforms and has spearheaded initiatives to stimulate Japan’s economy. His business engagements include investments in technology and agriculture, showcasing his commitment to innovation and growth.
Ishiba became a key figure within the LDP, running for party leadership multiple times. First in 2008 where he placed fifth, and notably against Shinzo Abe in the 2012 and 2018 elections. Despite his criticisms of LDP factionalism, he established his own faction, Suigetsukai, in 2015, aiming for leadership.
After Abe's second resignation, Ishiba ran in 2020 but placed third behind Yoshihide Suga. Ishiba declined to run and endorsed Taro Kono in the 2021 election which was won by Fumio Kishida.
After Kishida announced that he would step down, Ishiba ran for the fifth time in the 2024 election where he defeated Sanae Takaichi in a second round run-off, becoming the new party leader and prime minister–designate, and was formally elected Prime Minister by the National Diet on 1 October 2024.
As prime minister, Ishiba almost immediately announced a snap general election, where the ruling LDP coalition lost its majority for the first time since 2009 and suffered its second-worst result in party history. In the National Diet, Ishiba has relied on opposition parties to pass legislation due to his coalition's minority government status.
On foreign policy, Ishiba has moved Japan economically closer to China and South Korea amidst protectionist policies being employed by the United States, while continuing to support Ukraine as during the Russian invasion that began in 2022.
Social Network
Ishiba is actively present on social media platforms, where he engages with the public and shares insights into his policies and initiatives. On Twitter, he has a following of over 400,000 users, enhancing his ability to communicate directly with citizens. He also maintains a professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, reflecting his commitment to transparency and accessibility.
Ishiba was appointed as the Minister of Defense in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on 26 September 2007, 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.
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.
In the same interview, he jokingly said that he would mobilize the Japan Self-Defense Forces in response to an appearance by Godzilla. 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. In Asō Cabinet, appointed on 24 September 2008, Ishiba was named as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
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. He was removed when Tanigaki reshuffled the party leadership in September 2011.
Education
Shigeru Ishiba graduated from the prestigious university, Gakushuin University, with a degree in Political Science. His academic background equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of political life and governance.
In conclusion, Shigeru Ishiba's journey as Japan's Prime Minister in 2025 highlights his commitment to serving the nation while balancing his personal life and professional responsibilities. His achievements, relationships, and proactive approach to governance define his legacy as a respected leader in Japanese politics.
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.
