Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a plain-spoken populist, won leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party in a runoff vote on Friday.

Advocate of 'Asian Nato' to counter China who also seeks more balanced US ties could ruffle feathers on either side of Pacific, analysts say Shigeru Ishiba, in line to become Japan's next prime minister,

Japan's incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, said he wanted to clean up his ruling party, revitalise the economy and see off security threats from powerful neighbours after triumphing in his fifth and what he called final leadership bid on Friday.