Abe's low-key foreign minister watched as potential rival
Local media reckon his clean image plus the backing of his dovish LDP faction could propel him into the leader's seat
Tokyo
A SELF-EFFACING former banker, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida isn't known for courting publicity in a way that comes naturally to most politicians.
So when he appeared this month with a comedian clad in clashing animal prints to promote a United Nations programme, Japanese media outlets splashed the photos across newspapers and websites. The display also added to speculation that the normally low-key Mr Kishida might be gearing up for a run to replace his increasingly unpopular boss, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"Kishida has always been quiet and had a princely air," said Takeshi Iwaya, a fellow lawmaker with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a friend since the two were students together at Tokyo's Wased…
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Sunak says UK to raise defence spending amid global threats
China’s central bank hints it may add treasury bond trades to policy toolkit
US business activity cools in April; inflation measures mixed
India’s inflation at risk from extreme weather, geopolitical issues: central bank
Thailand to replace military-appointed Senate, reduce its powers
Bankers lose hope of London IPO revival for another year