Trump Whisperer' ex-minister joins Japan PM race | International

TOKYO, Sept 8, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A former top diplomat dubbed the "Trump Whisperer" was the first candidate Monday to join the race to be Japan's next leader, a day after premier Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation. Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi is angling to lead the world's fourth-largest economy as it faces fresh turbulence stemming from rising food prices and fallout from US tariffs on its crucial auto sector. The long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will elect its new chief, reportedly in early October, after Ishiba said Sunday he would step down after his party faired terribly in two elections. "We have to move Japan forward, resolving difficult issues at home and abroad," party heavyweight Motegi told reporters. "I...