Kishida's Legacy: Navigating Domestic Scandals and Global Respect

The tenure of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, marked by both domestic scandals and foreign policy achievements, has left a complex legacy. While his administration grappled with political controversies and economic lackluster, Kishida's strategic foreign policy advances have enhanced Japan's global reputation and influence.

Kishida's foreign policy legacy is characterized by strategic and tactical advances in Japan's defense and diplomatic posture. Despite domestic political scandals involving his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and lackluster economic growth, Kishida oversaw increases in Japan's reputation and popularity in the region and globally, as well as the institutionalization of related partnership gains.

Kishida's most prominent foreign and defense affair accomplishment was a historic rise in Japan's defense spending, set to reach 2% of GDP by 2027. This increase will improve Japan's ability to defend itself, modernize its self-defense forces, and strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. Additionally, the increasing defense budget will fund new priorities, such as Official Security Assistance (OSA), to enhance the security and deterrence capabilities of like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kishida also oversaw changes to Japan's defense export principles, allowing for the sale of a next-generation fighter jet Japan is developing in cooperation with the United Kingdom and Italy. This move, along with the authorization of a "counterstrike" capability for Japan, has bolstered Tokyo's role in limited international transfers of lethal defense equipment and strengthened its global security image.

Kishida's approach to Russia and the Indo-Pacific region has also contributed to Japan's growing regional and global popularity. A dramatic reorientation in Japan's assessment of Russia under the 2022 National Security Strategy marked the abandonment of Abe's hopes of negotiating a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the return of Japanese islands seized by the Soviet Union after World War II. This shift, along with Kishida's focus on partnerships and regional cooperation, has solidified Japan's reputation as a responsible global actor.

While domestic scandals and economic challenges have cast a shadow over Kishida's tenure, his foreign policy achievements have left a lasting impact on Japan's global reputation and influence. The incoming prime minister would do well to build upon the position in which Kishida's administration has left Japan on the world stage, further cementing its role as a key player in global security and diplomacy.