Four context points to Shigeru Ishiba becoming the new Prime Minister of Japan

1. Shigeru Ishiba, 67, has won the party leadership contest, becoming Japan’s new prime minister. His victory followed a crowded race that concluded with a runoff vote for the helm of a party known for its long-standing rule and recent scandals.

2 He assumes leadership of the world’s fourth-largest economy when parliament convenes in October, backed by the party's majority in the lower house. He edged past Sanae Takaichi (economic security minister) in the runoff: 215 votes to 194. Notably absent from the final vote was Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi.

3. This marks Ishiba’s fifth attempt to lead the LDP, a party in power since 1955.

Known as an outlier in a culture that values conformity, he often criticises his own party. Well, when it pays that's an awesome strategy.

4.His willingness to speak out has created enemies within the LDP but gained him support from grassroots members and the public. He aligns with the more progressive wing of the conservative party.