A New Face in Turbulent Times In a closely contested and dramatic leadership race, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has selected veteran politician Shigeru Ishiba as the nation’s next prime minister. Ishiba, a former defense minister and seasoned lawmaker, emerged victorious in a run-off election, edging out the hardline nationalist Sanae Takaichi. His win marks a significant moment in Japan’s political landscape as Ishiba takes over from outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who resigned following a series of scandals that severely damaged the party’s reputation. Ishiba’s victory, after five…