Jump to content

Shinjirō Koizumi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shinjirō Koizumi
小泉 進次郎
Official portrait, 2025
Minister of Defense
Incumbent
Assumed office
21 October 2025
Prime MinisterSanae Takaichi
Preceded byGen Nakatani
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
In office
21 May 2025 – 21 October 2025
Prime MinisterShigeru Ishiba
Preceded byTaku Etō
Succeeded byNorikazu Suzuki
Minister of the Environment
In office
11 September 2019 – 4 October 2021
Prime MinisterShinzō Abe
Yoshihide Suga
Preceded byYoshiaki Harada
Succeeded byTsuyoshi Yamaguchi
Incumbent
Assumed office
31 August 2009
Preceded byJunichiro Koizumi
Personal details
Born (1981-04-14) 14 April 1981 (age 45)
Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
PartyLiberal Democratic
Spouse
​
(m. 2019)​
Children2
Parent(s)Junichiro Koizumi (father)
Kayoko Miyamoto (mother)
RelativesKoizumi family
EducationKanto Gakuin University (BEc)
Columbia University (MA)

Shinjirō Koizumi (Japanese: 小泉 進次郎, Hepburn: Koizumi Shinjirō; born 14 April 1981) is a Japanese politician serving as the Minister of Defense since October 2025. He previously served as the Minister of the Environment from September 2019 to October 2021 and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from May to October 2025. He has also served as a Member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), representing Kanagawa since 2009. He is the second son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and the younger brother of actor Kotaro Koizumi.

After graduating from Kanto Gakuin University and Columbia University, Koizumi worked as a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and became active politically as Young Leader of the Pacific Forum CSIS. He also spent time working as a political secretary for his father in the final years of his second term as prime minister. In the 2009 election, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat his father had occupied for more than 35 years.

Koizumi was appointed as a Vice-Minister for Reconstruction after the election of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2012, focusing on the northeastern region of Japan that was devastated by the March 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster. He publicly opposed his father's calls for Japan to abandon nuclear energy immediately. In 2019, Abe appointed Koizumi to the cabinet as Minister of the Environment, a role he retained when Yoshihide Suga succeeded Abe as prime minister in September 2020. Koizumi endorsed Taro Kono in the 2021 LDP leadership election, which resulted in Fumio Kishida becoming prime minister. He subsequently left the cabinet and returned to backbench politics.

Koizumi ran as a candidate in the 2024 LDP presidential election to succeed Kishida and placed third, losing the first round to Sanae Takaichi and Shigeru Ishiba, with the latter leading the final runoff. The LDP would lose its majority in the 2024 general election, after which Koizumi resigned as head of the party's Election Strategy committee. After working at the LDP's political reform headquarters, he was made Minister of Agriculture by Ishiba in May 2025. Following Ishiba's announcement of his resignation, Koizumi again ran as a candidate in the 2025 LDP presidential election, this time losing to Takaichi in the runoff. Takaichi subsequently appointed Koizumi as Minister of Defense.

Early life

[edit]

Koizumi is a fourth-generation politician of the Koizumi family. His father, Junichiro Koizumi, was the Prime Minister of Japan from 2001 to 2006. His grandfather, Jun'ya Koizumi, was director general of the Japan Defense Agency (now Minister of Defense) and a member of the House of Representatives representing Kanagawa's 2nd District, a seat that Junichiro also held. His great-grandfather, Matajirō Koizumi, was Minister of Communications, mayor of Yokosuka and a member of the House of Peers.[1]

Koizumi's parents divorced when he was a toddler. His father gained full custody of him and his elder brother Kōtarō. They were raised by one of Junichiro's sisters, Michiko. At that time joint custody was not permitted in Japan. After the divorce, Shinjirō was estranged from his mother, Kayoko, and did not meet her or his younger brother Yoshinaga again until he reached adulthood.[2] Yoshinaga had not yet been born when their parents divorced, and was kept under the sole custody of Kayoko throughout his entire childhood.[3]

Koizumi was born and raised in Yokosuka, his father's home district. When he was a student in junior high and senior high schools, he was engrossed in playing sports, especially baseball.[4] He attended Kanto Gakuin University in Yokohama, receiving a Bachelor of Economics degree in 2004. He received his master's degree in political science from Columbia University.[5][6] He spent one year as a part-time research fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and as Young Leader of the Pacific Forum CSIS before returning to Japan in 2007.[7]

Political career

[edit]

Member of the House of Representatives

[edit]
Official portrait, 2012

Following his father's announced retirement in 2008, he was elected to his father's former seat representing the Kanagawa 11th district in the August 2009 general election, in which many other LDP seats were lost to the Democratic Party of Japan. He faced criticism for being a hereditary politician. He campaigned in a rented Toyota Prius with a volunteer staff.[8]

Koizumi became head of the LDP's young legislators caucus in October 2011, a post previously held by Prime Ministers Takeshita, Uno, Kaifu, Abe and Asō. In February 2012, he started a project called "Team 11," which sent members of the division to areas of the Tōhoku region affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami on the 11th of each month to talk to locals and report back on the state of the reconstruction efforts. The group had 82 members, all under the age of 45, as of March 2013. Some observers compared the group to the powerful "Machimura faction" led by Nobutaka Machimura in terms of its political weight.[9]

He was critical of the LDP under party president Sadakazu Tanigaki. In his first meeting as a party officer, he stated that "the image of the party is that it doesn't listen to the opinions of young people, has old thoughts and a hard head. That is why trust will not be restored."[10] He argued in a November 2011 speech that the party's stance on the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement needed to be clarified.[11] He later advocated breaking up the LDP's agreement with the Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito to pass an overhaul of the social security and tax system, directly arguing to Tanigaki that the party's mission should be to take down the DPJ government and to restore LDP control, and drawing comparisons to his father's maverick reputation.[12]

Koizumi meeting with President Ma Ying-jeou during his 2013 visit to Taiwan

Koizumi broke ranks with the LDP in August 2012 as one of seven LDP legislators who refused to walk out of the no-confidence vote instigated by Ichiro Ozawa against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, in which the LDP and NK had agreed to throw out their votes. Although Koizumi voted for the no-confidence resolution, it was ultimately voted down 246–86.[13] He voted for Shigeru Ishiba against Shinzō Abe in the LDP leadership election of September 2012, but did not make his vote public until after the election in order to avoid influencing others' votes.[14]

Koizumi was re-elected in the December 2012 general election, which restored LDP control of the government under Abe. In the subsequent House of Councillors election in July 2013, he focused his campaigning efforts on disaster zones, outlying islands and areas in rapid population decline, giving speeches in support of their local LDP candidates. Kenichi Tokoi, a nonfiction author who wrote a book about Koizumi, said that his goal was to shake as many individual hands as possible and to leave the impression that he was kind enough to visit them, something which he could not achieve by campaigning in big cities.[15] He led a delegation of the LDP's Youth Division during a trip to Taiwan in September 2013, meeting with President Ma Ying-jeou.[16]

In October 2013, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in charge of Tohoku Recovery, in which capacity he would oversee post-disaster reconstruction efforts in Iwate Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture. Ishiba, then secretary general of the LDP, stated that Koizumi "made a very strong case" with local disaster victims "about what he wanted to do and why."[17] Tokoi characterized this posting as a test of Koizumi's administrative ability.[15] Koizumi was re-elected for a third term in his Kanagawa 11th constituency in the 2014 general election.[18]

Minister of Environment (2019–2021)

[edit]
Official portrait, 2020
Koizumi with Ko Shibasaki in 2019.

Koizumi was reportedly considered for a formal cabinet post under the Abe government in the reshuffles of October 2015 and July 2017.[19][20] In October 2017, Koizumi was re-elected for a fourth time in the 2017 general election.[21] On 11 September 2019, Prime Minister Abe appointed Koizumi as Minister of the Environment.[22][23] He advocated for environmentalist policies, including ending Japan's use of nuclear and coal power, despite serving in a government considered skeptical of such policies.[24][25][26][27]

However, he supports the construction of new coal-fired power stations in Japan, despite their particulate and greenhouse gas emissions. His support for the construction of two coal-fired power stations in Yokosuka has led him to be a "a target of activists' wrath".[28]

In late August 2020, after the resignation of Shinzo Abe, Koizumi was named as a possible successor.[29] A Kyodo News survey showed that almost 9% of those surveyed preferred him for prime minister,[29] though some inside the party consider him too young to be in charge of the country.[30] Koizumi declined to run and endorsed Minister of Defense Tarō Kōno for the position.[31] After Kōno also declined to run Koizumi and Kono both endorsed Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a fellow Kanagawa politician.[32] Suga ultimately won the LDP presidential election and became prime minister.[33] Suga decided to retain Koizumi in his role.[34] Poor approval ratings and criticism of the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic led to Suga announcing his resignation in September 2021.[35] In the party's leadership election of 2021 (which ended with Fumio Kishida being elected as leader and later prime minister), Koizumi again endorsed Kōno for the position.[36][37] When Kishida formed his first cabinet in October, Koizumi was replaced by Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi as Environment Minister.[38]

From 2021 to 2024, Koizumi remained a backbencher in the Diet. Koizumi was returned to his seat in the House of Representatives for a fifth consecutive term during the 2021 general election, securing nearly 80% of the vote in his Kanagawa 11th district.[39] He was chosen to chair the standing committee on national security in the House of Representatives in January 2024 after the previous chairman resigned in connection to the 2023–2024 Japanese slush fund scandal.[40]

2024 LDP leadership election

[edit]
Koizumi ran against Shigeru Ishiba, who replaced Fumio Kishida as Prime Minister after winning the LDP leadership election.

On 14 August 2024, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he would not seek a second term as LDP President, making the race an open field.[41][42] By late August, both Kono and Ishiba had already declared their respective candidacies.[43][44]

On 6 September, Koizumi officially announced his candidacy for the LDP presidency.[45][46][47] In a press conference he pledged to introduce legislation that would legalize separate surnames for married couples and proposed holding a national referendum to determine whether or not Article 9 of the Constitution should be amended.[48][49] Koizumi promised to dissolve the lower of house and call a general election “as soon as possible” if elected President and later Prime Minister.[50][51] His candidacy was endorsed by former prime minister Yoshihide Suga.[52] Koizumi gave his first street speech the following day in Tokyo's Ginza district.[53] Koizumi, along with fellow front-runner Shigeru Ishiba, has been described as one of the "centrists" of the election.[54][55][56]

Koizumi lost the election, placing third behind Sanae Takaichi and Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba defeated Takaichi in a runoff election, having received support from Koizumi's camp. As LDP president, Ishiba appointed Koizumi chairman of the Election Strategy Committee, a senior party office.[57] In the October 2024 general election Koizumi traveled across the country to rally support for LDP candidates, but the results were unfavourable, with the ruling coalition losing its majority. Koizumi, who had easily won re-election in his own seat, resigned as election strategy chairman to take responsibility.[58] He was replaced by Seiji Kihara as the party's election chief.[59] Koizumi was subsequently appointed as executive secretary to the LDP political reform headquarters.[60]

When asked in February 2025 about the possibility of running for party leadership again, Koizumi didn't rule it out, saying "I will do my best to become a politician that people want to support."[61] Later that month, Koizumi suggested that the Kansai-based opposition Innovation Party should join the LDP-Komeito coalition, amidst budget negotiations that were taking place in the lower house.[62] He continued to advocate for this, stating “we should officially ask for a coalition” in March. Koizumi simultaneously criticized the possibility of a grand coalition with the Constitutional Democratic Party, the chief opposition party.[63]

Minister of Agriculture (2025)

[edit]
Official portrait as Minister of Agriculture, May 2025
Koizumi with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, shortly after his appointment as Agriculture Minister, 21 May 2025

On 21 May 2025, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Taku Etō submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, after stating on 18 May that he had never bought rice, and was instead provided with a free supply of it from his local constituents; the comments were considered to be inconsiderate amidst a nationwide rice shortage, and reportedly upset Ishiba.[64][65] Koizumi, having chaired the LDP's Agriculture & Forestry Division and its Comprehensive Fisheries Policy Research Council, was immediately seen as the most likely successor to the disgraced Etō, who had been sacked by Ishiba.[66][67] Koizumi was appointed Agriculture Minister by Ishiba on the same day.[68][69] He stated that Koizumi's main objective in the new role would be to stabilize rice prices.[70] Etō and Koizumi had a testy relationship dating back 10 years when the former reportedly told Koizumi, who is 20 years his junior, "I hate you". However the two reportedly became friends after Koizumi invited Etō to dinner at some point afterwards.[71]

I thought that Mr. Koizumi has experience, insight, and passion for reform in both agriculture and the fisheries industry.

— Shigeru Ishiba explaining why he appointed Koizumi Agriculture Minister.[72]

Koizumi's first official act as Agriculture Minister was to temporarily suspend bidding for stockpiled rice.[73] He also confirmed to reporters that he himself had purchased rice for his family.[74] Upon taking up the new role, Koizumi styled himself as the “Minister in Charge of Rice.”[75] At a speech given at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries the day following his appointment, Koizumi emphasized the importance of reducing rice prices, saying he felt "a sense of crisis" and would seek to restore public trust in the ministry.[76] Koizumi sought to enact swift reforms at the ministry upon his appointment. At his inaugural press conference the previous day, he told reporters that the government would temporarily cancel the fourth bidding process for stockpiled rice that was originally scheduled for later in May, and said he was considering cancelling competitive bidding for the rice in favor of selling it directly to supermarkets and the food service industry through discretionary contracts.[77][78] Koizumi stated that the goal of the ministry would be to lower rice prices to ¥2,000 per 5 kilograms by June.[79][80]

2025 LDP leadership election

[edit]
After defeating him in a runoff election for the leadership of the LDP, Sanae Takaichi (left) appointed Koizumi (right) as Minister of Defense in her cabinet in October 2025.

After Prime Minister Ishiba resigned, Koizumi announced his second leadership candidacy in September 2025 for the 2025 leadership election.[81] In opinion polls throughout the election, Koizumi and former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi were seen as the frontrunners as they both polled in first place various times.[82][83]

On September 24, Bunshun Online reported possible stealth marketing by Koizumi's campaign, citing an e-mail by his public relations chief Karen Makishima giving associates examples of comments to make online to promote Koizumi.[84][85][86] Koizumi acknowledged the facts and apologised on 26 September, but denied having been aware of it. Makishima resigned from the campaign.[87] This led to his campaign receiving several death threats and bomb threats, however Koizumi stated his intent to keep running in the election.[88]

On 4 October, Takaichi came in first place during the first round of voting with 183 (31.07%) of the vote.[89] Koizumi came in second with 164 (27.84%) of the vote, meaning that both Koizumi and Takaichi advanced to the run-off to elect the party leader.[90] Takaichi would go on to defeat Koizumi in the run-off by a 54% to 46% margin.[91]

Minister of Defense (since 2025)

[edit]

First term

[edit]
Koizumi receiving honors at the Ministry of Defense auditorium shortly after his appointment, 22 October 2025.

On 21 October 2025, Koizumi was appointed as Minister of Defense by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.[92][93] At his inaugural press conference the following day, he told reporters that he wants to ease the country's rules on defense equipment exports, and move up the revision of the government's three key defense and security policy documents.[94]

A few days after his appointment as Defense Minister, the Air Self-Defense Force scrambled jets to monitor Russian warplanes, including strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which had flown along the edge of Japanese airspace over the west coast of the Sea of Japan. Koizumi indicated the appearance of Russian aircraft, which occurred hours before Takaichi pledged to increase defense spending by 2% of gross domestic product by the end of this fiscal year in a speech before the Diet, may be retribution for Japan's support for Ukraine since Russia began invading the country in 2022.[95]

On 29 October 2025, one week after becoming Defense Minister, Koizumi held talks with United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Tokyo.[96] Koizumi greeted Trump along with Takaichi when he visited Yokosuka Naval Base as part of his three-day visit to Japan that same month.[97]

Koizumi welcomes US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, 29 October 2025.

Koizumi attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers meeting held in Kuala Lumpur in November, and met with counterparts from the United States, Australia, and the Philippines to discuss increased deterrence and readiness in the South China Sea. Also present at the summit was Chinese defense chief Dong Jun, with whom he aired concerns regarding intensifying military activities in the East China Sea and broader Pacific. After the summit, Koizumi said New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins expressed interest in acquiring Japanese Mogami-class destroyers.[98]

After South Korea’s Defense Ministry announced plans to acquire and build its own nuclear-powered attack submarines, Koizumi argued Japan should consider the same, noting Japan’s strategic environment was “severe” in November 2025.[99]

On 7 November, during a meeting of the Budget Committee in the lower house, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that a Chinese military attack or naval blockade against Taiwan would be considered an emergency and could be deemed a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.[100] After senior Chinese diplomats criticized the remarks, Koizumi noted that Takaichi’s remarks did not represent a shift in Japan’s long-held policy regarding Taiwan.[101] The following month, Koizumi confirmed plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni Island, located about 68 miles off Taiwan's coast.[102]

Koizumi at a multilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur, with his respective counterparts from the US, Australia, and the Philippines: Pete Hegseth, Richard Marles, and Gilbert Teodoro, 1 November 2025

On 6 December, Chinese military aircraft locked radar on Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets near Okinawa. The Defense Ministry claimed People's Liberation Army Air Force J-15 jets took off from the Chinese carrier Liaoning and “intermittently” latched its radar on Japanese F-15 fighter jets on two occasions for about three minutes. Koizumi protested the incident, calling it a “a dangerous act that exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations.”[103] The following day, Koizumi met with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who described the situation as “worrying”. The two agreed to deepen security cooperation, and expressed optimism about the Australian Navy’s plan to introduce an upgraded version of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Mogami-class frigate.[104][105] During the meeting, Marles and Koizumi announcing the launching of a “framework for strategic defense coordination”.[106] A few days following the radar incident, Koizumi said Japan would monitoring activities and discussed the issue with Pete Hegseth during a phone call.[107]

In January 2026, Koizumi embarked on a visit to Washington D.C. where he met with Pete Hegseth for the second time. The two worked out in a gym alongside US military personnel.[108] When meeting with Hegseth, Koizumi described the US-Japan alliance as “unshakeable”.[109] He later visited the Japanese consulate in Los Angeles to mark the 15th anniversary of Operation Tomodachi.[110] Before arriving in the continental United States, Koizumi traveled to Hawaii with U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass and spoke at the Honolulu Defense Forum.[111] Later in January, het with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Koizumi’s home prefecture of Kanagawa, as part of the “shuttle diplomacy” established during the Fumio Kishida administration. The two agreed to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and to upgrade defence cooperation, and reiterated commitment to trilateral cooperation with the United States.[112] After the meeting, the two played a friendly game of table tennis, apparently after Koizumi learned Ahn enjoyed the sport.[113]

Second term

[edit]
Koizumi watches a demonstration during joint exercises between US and Japanese forces at Narashino, 11 January 2026

Takaichi called a snap election for February 2026 and Koizumi was re-elected in his home Kanagawa district once again.[114] On 18 February 2026, following Takaichi's reelection as prime minister, Koizumi was reappointed as Minister of Defence.[115] Following the general election, which delivered a landslide majority for the LDP, Koizumi stated revisions to Article 9 of the Constitution "should be advanced as quickly as possible”. He later expressed support for holding a national referendum on whether to amend the Constitution.[116] In April, he suggested that Japan should consider producing and possessing attack drones.[117] Later in July, Koizumi stated that Japan “cannot avoid” debates surrounding nuclear weapons, noting that the Russian invasion of Ukraine four years prior prompted France to boost its own nuclear capabilities.[118]

Koizumi attended the Munich Security Conference a few days following the general election. During his speech delivered on 13 February, Koizumi reiterated the importance of the rules-based global order, and linked security in the Euro-Atlantic to security in the Indo-Pacific. While he did not explicitly mention China, Koizumi noted that "countries sounding Japan continue their opaque military buildup…In the East and the South China Seas, attempts to change the status quo by force persist. In the western and the southern Pacific, provocative military activities are intensifying".[119]

Koizumi and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles affirm a frigate contract on the JS Kumano, 18 April 2026.

In early April, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles paid another visit to Japan to discuss potential joint missile and drone production with Koizumi.[120] The two stressed that security issues elsewhere, such as the Middle East, should not come at the expense of security in the Indo-Pacific.[121] Later that month, Japan and Australia agreed to a contract to deliver the first three of a 10 billion Australian dollar (~1 trillion yen) fleet of Japanese-designed warships, with the first due for delivery in three years from 2026. On 18 April, Koizumi and Marles attended a ceremonial signing ceremony aboard the Mogami-class frigate JS Kumano, docked off the coast of Melbourne.[122] A few days later, the Ministry of Defense announced it would be scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons as part of an overhaul of domestic defence export rules.[123][124]

In early May, Koizumi visited the Philippines and Indonesia, where he discussed expanding security cooperation, including exports of defense equipment with counterparts.[125] Koizumi met with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta, where the two signed a cooperation agreement that underlined the need to safeguard regional peace and stability.[126] He met with President Bongbong Marcos in Manila to discuss Chinese activity in the South China Sea. Koizumi witnessed the Balikatan exercise with Filipino Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Ilocos Norte, where the Japanese Self-Defense Forces joined the American and Filipino armed forces in the training exercises for the first time.[127] While in the Philippines, Koizumi announced that the Ministry of Defense was planning on transferring of Abukuma class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Armed Forces of the Philippines early.[128]

Koizumi speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, 31 May 2026.

Koizumi attended the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit held in Singapore and organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), in late May. On the sidelines of the summit, Koizumi and Hegseth agreed to deepen defense-industrial cooperation and accelerate joint production of advanced missile systems, specifically SM-3 Block IIA interceptor missiles and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. The two also announced the Trilateral Air/Surface/Missile Information Sharing in the Indo-Pacific (TRISHIP) had been finalized with Australia. Hegseth expressed support for Japan expanding domestic defense production; in a speech delivered at the summit, he lauded Japan’s efforts to increase defense spending.[129] During Koizumi’s own speech delivered on 31 May, he rebuked claims from China that Japan was embracing a “new militarism” and pledged to keep strengthening the Japanese military. He described Japan as a “peace-loving nation [that] has been valued by the region and by [the] international community” that would not be shaken by false claims.[130]

Think about it. There is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons. And yet, Japan is labelled (as) ‘new militarism’. Isn’t it strange?

— Shinjiro Koizumi[131]

Koizumi made his first trip to South Korea as Defense Minister on 27 June, greeting Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul, their sixth encounter overall since Koizumi’s tenure began. The Diplomat described the meeting as a sign of “remarkable normalization of cooperation between the two countries’ defense authorities” and considered it to be an indication of reconciliation.[132] The two agreed to advance discussions on defense equipment and technology cooperation.[133]

Koizumi with Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting at the GCAP conference, 21 July 2026.

He attended a press conference for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) in July at Wellington Barracks in London, joining Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and recently appointed British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting. Koizumi helped welcome Canada's entry into the 6th-generation fighter project as an observer nation.[134] Earlier that month he traveled to Turkey to attend the 2026 Ankara NATO summit, becoming the first Japanese defense minister to participate in the defense industry forum. He was joined by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.[135]

Koizumi visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on 14 August to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the visit, while South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed “deep regret” over what he described as “anachronistic” actions. The last Japanese defense minister to pay respects at the shrine was Minoru Kihara in 2024, although Prime Minister Takaichi did not visit herself in 2026.[136]

In August 2026, Koizumi met with Marles in Canberra to announce plans for Japan and Australia to collaborate in missile production; both countries would co-develop a laser system to detect potential threats under a new defence cooperation project named 'Boobook'  while Japan said it would conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles in Australia.[137] Later that month, Koizumi met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The two signed a memorandum on maritime security cooperation and promised to bolster defence cooperation ‘to realize a free and open’ Indo-Pacific. They also discussed possible joint development in naval shipbuilding and design.[138]

[edit]

Views

[edit]

Like his father, Koizumi visits Yasukuni Shrine on 15 August, the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. He visited in 2012, 2013, and again in 2022.[139][140][141] He visited in 2024 in preparation for his run in the 2024 LDP leadership election.[142] Koizumi visited the shrine again in 2025, on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.[143]

In a May 2013 interview with the Sankei Shimbun, he refused to comment on Osaka mayor Toru Hashimoto's controversial remarks on comfort women, characterizing the issue as one that should be discussed among experts and historians rather than politicians. He described the perceived nationalist shift in Japanese politics as "Chinese propaganda" and stated that the government needed to wage a better public relations campaign against it while focusing on the successful implementation of Abenomics. He also commented on the Japanese Constitution, stating that amendments were necessary but that there were more immediate problems to be solved: "I go to the disaster zones in Tohoku every month, and the constitution has not come up even once as an issue when I walk down the street there."[144]

Koizumi was critical of the Abe government's decision to terminate a corporate tax surcharge intended to fund the Tohoku recovery, and views nuclear power as unsustainable in the long term, mirroring views that his father expressed in 2013.[17]

In 2017, when asked on his position on same-sex marriage in a survey conducted by The Asahi Shimbun, Koizumi did not give a response.[145] In a 2021 survey conducted by NHK, he said he was in favor of its legalization.[146] When asked again in August 2024, Koizumi did not respond.[147] In a 2024 survey conducted by NHK for the general election held in October of that year, Koizumi affirmed his support for legalization.[148] When asked again by NHK ahead of the 2026 general election, Koizumi stated his opposition to legalization of same-sex marriage for the first time.[149]

Koizumi opposes a ban on corporate donations to political campaigns and parties, arguing that politics shouldn't be "funded entirely by tax money."[150]

He is in favor of allowing selective surnames for married couples. During the 2024 LDP leadership election, Koizumi claimed he would submit a bill into the Diet that would legalize such a system. He later stated that LDP members of the Diet should be free to vote on any legislation related to the matter based on their own views, rather than be restricted to a party consensus.[151]

Speaking on the LDP’s culture in March 2025, Koizumi stated that "the one thing that needs to change in the culture of the LDP is that as soon as approval ratings drop, we immediately try to drag the leader down". The comments came while some within the party had been calling for Prime Minister Ishiba to resign following news of a scandal.[152]

Since becoming Defense Minister in 2025, Koizumi has described cooperation between South Korea and the United States as “critical” to regional security.[153]

Popularity

[edit]

Koizumi had a 75.6% approval rating at the start of his stint as parliamentary secretary for Tohoku recovery.[154] In a December 2013 JNN poll, he ranked second after Shinzo Abe as the most favoured candidate for prime minister, although 57% responded that they had no particular favoured candidate.[155] In April 2017, in the aftermath of the Moritomo Gakuen scandal surrounding Prime Minister Abe, polls by Yomiuri[156] and NTV[157] showed Koizumi as the most favoured LDP leader (and presumptive prime minister), surpassing both Abe and challenger Shigeru Ishiba.[158]

Following the December 2012 election, the National Diet Building gift shop began selling "Shinji-Rolls" (進次ろうる), souvenir green tea-flavoured roll cakes branded with Koizumi's likeness. Shinji-Rolls became the gift shop's second most popular item in 2013, outselling souvenirs branded with the likenesses of LDP leaders Shigeru Ishiba and Taro Aso, and outsold only by manju bearing the likeness of Shinzo Abe.[159]

A November 2023 poll from The Asahi Shimbun found Koizumi to be the “most suitable” candidate for Prime Minister among seven ruling party lawmakers, with 16% support.[160] A survey from Jiji Press conducted following month showed similar results, with Koizumi surpassing incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Digital Minister Taro Kono and future Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the poll.[161]

The Nikkei stated in 2025 that Koizumi possessed some of the 'best communication skills' in Japanese politics.[162]

Personal life

[edit]
Koizumi with U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel during a surfing competition, 6 July 2024.

On 7 August 2019, television announcer and news presenter Christel Takigawa announced that she married Shinjiro Koizumi. She gave birth to a son on 17 January 2020.[163] She gave birth to a daughter on 20 November 2023.[164] In January 2020, Koizumi received international news attention when he announced his plans to take two weeks of paternity leave when his first child was born.[165][166]

Along with Japanese, Koizumi can speak English.[167][168]

He is the secretary-general of the Surfing Diet League of the LDP.[169] In September 2023, he surfed on the coasts of Fukushima to dispel concerns regarding the discharge of waste from the decommissioned Fukushima nuclear plant.[170] He returned to Fukushima Prefecture in July 2024 to surf with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel while having summer vacation.[171]

Koizumi is also known for visiting "cat cafes" and posting photos to social media about his interactions with cats, with whom he said to be "very popular".

Ancestry

[edit]
Ancestors of Shinjirō Koizumi
8. Samejima Yazaemon
4. Jun'ya Koizumi
2. Junichiro Koizumi
20. Koizumi Yūhyōe
10. Koizumi Matajirō
21. Okazaki Toku
5. Yoshie Koizumi
11. Ishikawa Katsu
1. Shinjirō Koizumi
3. Kayoko Miyamoto

Electoral history

[edit]
Koizumi campaigning near Shimbashi Station, November 2009

Koizumi was first elected to the House of Representatives in the 2009 general election, representing Kanagawa's 11th district, at the age of 28. The LDP lost it's majority in the lower house under the leadership of Prime Minister Taro Aso. Koizumi is a fairly popular candidate, winning Kanagawa's 11th district seat in six consecutive elections.[172]

2009[173]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 150,893 56.16 Decrease17.00
Democratic Katsuhito Yokokume
(elected in S. Kanto PR block)		 96,631 35.97 Increase17.20
JCP Masako Itō 12,601 4.69 Increase0.47
Happiness Realization Akihisa Tsurukawa 2,375 0.88 N/A
Independent Yoshinobu Iwata 1,830 0.68 N/A
Majority 54,262 20.20 Decrease34.19
Turnout 268,666 68.12 Decrease0.34
LDP hold Swing -17.10
Koizumi speaking during a festival in hometown, Yokosuka, August 2012

In the 2012 general election, Koizumi was relected by winning ~184,000 votes, or about 80% of the vote.[174]

2012[175]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 184,360 79.9
Democratic Kōtarō Hayashi 25,134 10.9
JCP Michio Saida 17,740 7.7
Independent Toshihide Morimoto 2,131 0.9
Independent Yoshinobu Iwata 1,489 0.6

Koizumi won more than 83% of the vote in the 2014 general election, marking his largest margin of victory as a Representative.[18]

2014[176]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 168,953 83.3 Increase3.4
JCP Kazuhiro Seto 33,930 16.7 Increase9.0
Turnout 54.50

In the 2017 general election, Koizumi won 78% of the vote, as his vote share declined somewhat.[21]

2017[177]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 154,761 78.0 Decrease5.3
JCP Kazuhiro Seto 21,874 11.0 Decrease5.7
Kibō no Tō Ryō Mashiro 18,583 9.4
Turnout 52.11 Decrease2.4

Koizumi was re-elected to a fifth term in the 2021 general election, earning about 79.2% of the vote.[39]

2021[178]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 147,634 79.2 Increase1.2
JCP Nobuaki Hayashi 38,843 20.8 Increase9.8
Turnout 52.21 Increase0.1

The LDP suffered heavy losses during the 2024 general election; Koizumi won re-election with his second lowest margin of victory after the 2009 election, secruing 72.3% of the vote.[58]

2024[179]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 129,779 72.3 Decrease6.9
JCP Minoru Tamesō 24,850 13.9 Decrease6.9
Sanseitō Hiroki Hajikano 24,718 13.7
Turnout 179,347 51.79 Decrease0.42

Koizumi easily won re-election to a seventh term during the 2026 general election, winning 79.5% of the vote.[114]

2026
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LDP Shinjirō Koizumi 149,029 79.5 Increase7.1
JCP Minoru Tamesō 19,299 10.3 Decrease3.6
Sanseitō Kōhei Maebayashi 19,191 10.2 Decrease3.5
Registered electors 357,788
Turnout 54.49 Increase2.7
LDP hold

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Will Koizumi Shinjiro Become Japan's Youngest Prime Minister?". The Diplomat. 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  2. ↑ "For Japanese, a Typical Tale of Divorce". Washington Post. 17 January 2024. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  3. ↑ Reitman, Valerie (2 October 2001). "Divorce, Japanese Style". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  4. ↑ "元球児の小泉進次郎氏、松坂投手に度肝抜かれた練習試合". 朝日新聞 DIGITAL (in Japanese). 30 May 2018. Archived from the original on 30 May 2018.
  5. ↑ "小泉進次郎、名門「コロンビア大学院」留学は「特別なプロセス」 関係者が証言". デイリー新潮 (in Japanese). 20 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021.
  6. ↑ "心をつかむ進次郎節、原点は留学時代の猛勉強". 日本経済新聞 (in Japanese). 20 March 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  7. ↑ "Shinjiro Koizumi". World Economic Forum. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  8. ↑ Kubota, Yoko (17 August 2009). "The new face of Koizumi". Reuters. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  9. ↑ "「進次郎青年局」82人の存在感 町村派に匹敵". 日本経済新聞. 3 March 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  10. ↑ "小泉氏「自民は頭が固いイメージ」 初の役員会で". 日本経済新聞. 2 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014. 若者の意見を聞かない、考えは古い、頭は固いというのが党のイメージだ。だから信頼が回復しない。
  11. ↑ "小泉氏「賛否言うべきだ」 執行部を批判". 日本経済新聞. 21 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  12. ↑ "小泉親子が狙う強行策". 日本経済新聞. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  13. ↑ "消費増税法案10日成立 不信任案否決、自民７人造反". 日本経済新聞. 9 August 2012. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "小泉氏は石破氏に投票（永田町ライブ）". 日本経済新聞. 26 September 2012. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  15. 1 2 "青年局長・小泉進次郎は未来の総理か 2014年が勝負の年". 女性セブン. 9 January 2014. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  16. ↑ Taipei Times (7 September 2013). "Taiwan News Quick Take - Taipei Times". www.taipeitimes.com.
  17. 1 2 Mie, Ayako (2 October 2013). "Koizumi takes up post for Tohoku reconstruction". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  18. 1 2 "衆院選、得票数トップは進次郎氏 １０万票で落選者も 平均は５３歳". withnews (in Japanese). Retrieved 19 July 2026.
  19. ↑ Hongo, Jun (1 October 2015). "PM Abe Could Tap Younger Koizumi in Cabinet Reshuffle: Reports". WSJ. Archived from the original on 9 June 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  20. ↑ "Spotlight on Japan's "Macron", son of former premier Koizumi, ahead of cabinet reshuffle". Reuters. 20 July 2017. Archived from the original on 13 October 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  21. 1 2 "小泉進次郎「新聞に軽減税率はおかしい」 生中継で発言、ネット「よく言った」". J-CAST ニュース (in Japanese). 23 October 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
  22. ↑ McCurry, Justin (11 September 2019). "Shinzo Abe promotes rising star Koizumi in cabinet reshuffle". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 September 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  23. ↑ Landers, Peter (11 September 2019). "Another Koizumi Politician Climbs the Ranks in Japan". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 12 September 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  24. ↑ Green, Matthew (22 September 2019). "Make climate fight 'sexy,' says Japan's new environment minister". Reuters. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  25. ↑ Sieg, Linda (11 September 2019). "Japan's Shinjiro Koizumi: rising star to be tested in PM Abe's new cabinet". Reuters. Archived from the original on 11 September 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  26. ↑ "New environment minister says Japan should stop using nuclear power". Reuters. 11 September 2019. Archived from the original on 12 September 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  27. ↑ Davis, River (3 November 2019). "Japanese Princeling's Goal to Ditch Coal Hits a Snag: He's Environment Minister Now". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  28. ↑ Tabuchi, Hiroko (3 February 2020). "Japan Races to Build New Coal-Burning Power Plants, Despite the Climate Risks". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  29. 1 2 Johnston, Eric; Sugiyama, Satoshi (28 August 2020). "Abe to resign over health, ending era of political stability". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 28 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  30. ↑ "How possible successors stack up if Japan PM Abe resigns". Al Jazeera. 28 August 2020. Archived from the original on 28 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020. The name of Shinjiro Koizumi, 39, now environment minister and the son of charismatic former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is often floated as a future prime minister, but many consider him too young.
  31. ↑ Kajimoto, Tetsushi (30 August 2020). Mallard, William (ed.). "Japan's Koizumi won't seek to succeed Abe as PM, would back Kono: NHK". Reuters. Archived from the original on 30 August 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  32. ↑ "小泉環境相も菅氏支持 「菅さんイコール改革」". Kanagawa Shimbun. Yokohama. 6 September 2020. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  33. ↑ Sugiyama, Satoshi (14 September 2020). "Japan's next leader: How Yoshihide Suga beat the odds to succeed Shinzo Abe". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 14 September 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  34. ↑ "List of Ministers (The Cabinet) | Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet". japan.kantei.go.jp. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  35. ↑ "Yoshihide Suga to step down as Japan's prime minister". 3 September 2021. Archived from the original on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  36. ↑ Mizorogi, Takuya; Imao, Ryuto (15 September 2021). "Koizumi endorses Kono as Japan's next ruling party chief". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021.
  37. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏が見た総裁選と河野太郎氏敗北の要因". FNN (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  38. ↑ Sim, Walter (4 October 2021). "Who's who in Cabinet of Japan's new PM Fumio Kishida". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  39. 1 2 "Ex-environment minister Koizumi secures seat in Japan general election". Mainichi Daily News. 31 October 2021.
  40. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏、安倍派閥議員の辞任で初の衆院安全保障委員長就任「緊張感持ちしっかり臨む」". Nikkan Sports. Tokyo. 26 January 2024. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
  41. ↑ "Japan set for new PM as Fumio Kishida bows out as party leader". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  42. ↑ "【速報】岸田首相が総裁選不出馬の意向". 47News 共同通信 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  43. ↑ "Ex-Japan defence chief throws hat into ring in race to replace Kishida". South China Morning Post. 24 August 2024. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  44. ↑ "Digital Minister Kono joins ruling LDP party presidential election". Mainichi Daily News. 26 August 2024. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  45. ↑ "Japan LDP's rising star Shinjiro Koizumi announces bid for leadership". Mainichi Shimbun. 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  46. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏が自民総裁選に出馬表明 「できるだけ早期に衆院解散」" (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun. 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  47. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏が自民総裁選に出馬表明 「できるだけ早期に衆院解散」" (in Japanese). Mainichi Shimbun. 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  48. ↑ 産経新聞 (6 September 2024). "小泉進次郎氏「もう議論ではなく決着をつけるとき」選択的夫婦別姓を認める法案提出方針". 産経新聞：産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  49. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏が自民総裁選に出馬表明 「できるだけ早期に衆院解散」：朝日新聞デジタル". 朝日新聞デジタル (in Japanese). 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  50. ↑ "【自民党総裁選】小泉進次郎氏が出馬表明 「首相になれば早期に解散」". 日本経済新聞 (in Japanese). 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  51. ↑ Ninivaggi, Gabriele (6 September 2024). "Shinjiro Koizumi promises immediate snap election if elected LDP president". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  52. ↑ "自民・茂木幹事長と菅前首相が会食 総裁選めぐり意見交換か" (in Japanese). 朝日新聞デジタル. 20 August 2024. Archived from the original on 20 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  53. ↑ 産経新聞 (7 September 2024). "総裁選出馬の小泉進次郎氏「長年の課題に決着つける」 銀座の街頭演説に約5千人". 産経新聞：産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 7 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  54. ↑ "Shigeru Ishiba of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party 'Pondering Carefully' Candidacy in LDP Presidential Election; Former LDP Secretary General Denies Reports of Already Making Decision". Japan news. 29 June 2024. Archived from the original on 29 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  55. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏〝出馬〟情報「ポスト岸田」レース、次期衆院選「勝てる頭」への危機感 親子２代、古い自民をぶっ壊すか（1/4ページ）". zakzak：夕刊フジ公式サイト (in Japanese). 2 July 2024. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  56. ↑ "河野太郎氏、自民総裁選出馬に意欲 麻生太郎氏に伝達". 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  57. ↑ "【一覧】石破総裁 自民党新執行部が発足 閣僚顔ぶれも固まる". NHK. Tokyo. 30 September 2024. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  58. 1 2 "LDP election strategy chief Koizumi resigns over party's poor results in Japan election". Mainichi Shimbun. 28 October 2024. Archived from the original on 1 November 2024. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  59. ↑ "Ishiba to pick Kihara as LDP election chief". The Japan Times. 7 November 2024. Archived from the original on 7 November 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  60. ↑ "政治改革本部事務局長に小泉氏 自民、年内の規正法改正目指す". Jiji.com. Jiji Press. 31 October 2024. Archived from the original on 13 June 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  61. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏否定せず 自民党総裁選の再出馬「支えようと思ってもらえる政治家に…努力します」". 日刊スポーツ (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  62. ↑ "自民・小泉進次郎氏、維新の政権入り打診を再び要求 ３党合意文書に「連立だと思う」". カナロコ by 神奈川新聞 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 1 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
  63. ↑ "「立憲との大連立、現実的には考えにくい」小泉進次郎氏が指摘も国民民主などとの連立には含み". 日刊スポーツ (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 30 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
  64. ↑ 日本放送協会 (21 May 2025). "江藤農相 石破首相に辞表提出「コメは買ったことない」発言で | NHK". NHKニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 26 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  65. ↑ "江藤農林水産相辞任、石破内閣の閣僚で初 後任は小泉進次郎氏が有力". 産経ニュース (in Japanese). 21 May 2025. Archived from the original on 20 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  66. ↑ "【速報】石破首相は江藤農水相を更迭する方向で調整に入った：時事ドットコム". 時事ドットコム (in Japanese). 20 May 2025. Archived from the original on 24 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  67. ↑ "江藤農相更迭へ…小泉進次郎氏が後任有力、農協改革に携わった経験". 読売新聞オンライン (in Japanese). 21 May 2025. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  68. ↑ "【速報】石破首相は農水相の後任に自民党の小泉進次郎前選対委員長の起用を固めた：時事ドットコム". 時事ドットコム (in Japanese). 21 May 2025. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  69. ↑ "【速報】「コメ買ったことない」発言で辞任の江藤農水大臣の後任に小泉進次郎氏起用へ". TBS NEWS DIG (in Japanese). 20 May 2025. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  70. ↑ 日本放送協会 (21 May 2025). "辞表提出の江藤農相の後任に小泉進次郎氏起用の意向 石破首相 | NHK". NHKニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 26 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  71. ↑ 慎平, 奥原 (22 May 2025). "「お前なんか嫌い」と江藤拓氏、小泉進次郎氏は「面と向かってうれしい」新旧農水相の過去". 産経新聞：産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  72. ↑ 日本放送協会 (22 May 2025). "小泉新農相 "備蓄米 随意契約"値下がりにつなげられるか焦点 | NHK". NHKニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 26 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  73. ↑ "新農相・小泉進次郎氏 備蓄米"入札一時中止"で早くも見直し 随意契約活用へ「協議の加速化を指示」". スポニチアネックス (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  74. ↑ "「コメ担当の思いで」農相起用の小泉進次郎氏 「パックご飯も買う」". 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  75. ↑ "小泉氏「コメ担当大臣だとの思いで取り組みたい」…首相が小泉進次郎氏と面会、農相への起用伝える". 読売新聞オンライン (in Japanese). 21 May 2025. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  76. ↑ 日本放送協会 (22 May 2025). "小泉農相 高騰コメ対策 "国民が求めるスピード感で結果を" | NHK". NHKニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  77. ↑ 日本放送協会 (22 May 2025). "小泉新農相 "備蓄米 随意契約"値下がりにつなげられるか焦点 | NHK". NHKニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 26 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  78. ↑ "小泉農相、備蓄米の入札中止 スーパーなどに直接売り渡す考えも". 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  79. ↑ "政府備蓄米 小泉農相「6月初旬めどに2000円台で店に並べる」". 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 23 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  80. ↑ 日本放送協会 (23 May 2025). "小泉農相 スーパーを視察 備蓄米「来月上旬には2000円台で」". NHKニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 23 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  81. ↑ Sugiyama, Satoshi; Yamazaki, Makiko (16 September 2025). "Japan's Koizumi, Hayashi run for leadership of ruling party". Reuters. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  82. ↑ "Japan PM hopefuls prepare leadership bids, markets recoil". Reuters. 8 September 2025. Archived from the original on 8 September 2025. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
  83. ↑ "Japan Polls Split on Whether Koizumi or Takaichi Leads LDP Race". Bloomberg News. 28 September 2025. Archived from the original on 3 October 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  84. ↑ "小泉氏称賛する「やらせコメント」 陣営が示した24の例文とは". 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  85. ↑ 「週刊文春」編集部 (24 September 2025). "【証拠メール入手】小泉進次郎「卑劣ステマ」を暴く！｜自民総裁選 茶番劇の舞台裏". 週刊文春 (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  86. ↑ "小泉氏、「ステマ」認め謝罪 「総裁選辞退」がトレンド入り". www.afpbb.com (in Japanese). 27 September 2025. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  87. ↑ "まるで「現代版サクラ」 自民党内でやらせ激化か 「ステマ」指摘も". 毎日新聞 (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  88. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏、改めて「最後まで戦い抜く」決意示す 陣営ステマ問題、番組で生謝罪「トップの責任」（スポニチアネックス）". Yahoo!ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 28 September 2025. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  89. ↑ Cite error: The named reference resultsJT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  90. ↑ "Takaichi and Koizumi head to runoff in LDP leadership race". The Japan Times. 4 October 2025. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
  91. ↑ "Takaichi wins LDP leadership vote; likely to become Japan's first female PM". The Japan Times. 4 October 2025. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
  92. ↑ "Takaichi's Cabinet Names Rival Koizumi as Defense Minister". MSN. 21 October 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  93. ↑ "BREAKING NEWS: Ex-farm minister Koizumi named Japan's new defense minister". Kyodo News English. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  94. ↑ "Koizumi Keen to Ease Rules on Defense Equipment Exports". Nippon. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
  95. ↑ Komiya, Kantaro (24 October 2025). "Japan scrambles jets after nuclear-capable Russian bombers fly nearby". Reuters.
  96. ↑ "Japan, U.S. defense chiefs to meet Wed. under new Japanese gov't". Kyoto News English. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  97. ↑ Johnson, Jesse (27 October 2025). "Trump arrives in Japan for security and trade talks in test for Takaichi". The Japan Times.
  98. ↑ Johnson, Jesse (2 November 2025). "Koizumi builds ties with partners and airs concerns with China defense chief". The Japan Times.
  99. ↑ Nikkei (6 November 2025). "小泉防衛相、原子力潜水艦の必要性言及 「周りの国は保有」". 日本経済新聞 (in Japanese).
  100. ↑ Kyodo News (7 November 2025). "Taiwan emergency could be "survival-threatening" for Japan: PM Takaichi". english.kyodonews.net.
  101. ↑ Firstpost (18 November 2025). "Japan climbs down after Takaichi's Taiwan comments sparked feud with China". firstpost.com.
  102. ↑ The Asahi Shimbun (5 December 2025). "Taiwan 'very moved' by Japanese prime minister's support, premier says". asahi.com.
  103. ↑ Yamaguchi, Mari (7 December 2025). "Japan protests after China military jet locks radar on Japanese aircraft". AP News.
  104. ↑ Yomiuri Shimbun (7 December 2025). "Japan, Australia Agree to Boost Security Ties Amid Tensions". japannews.yomiuri.co.jp.
  105. ↑ Yomiuri Shimbun (7 December 2025). "Japan and Australia Urge Calm after Chinese Radar Locks on Japanese Jets". japannews.yomiuri.co.jp.
  106. ↑ Dominguez, Gabriel (7 December 2025). "Japan and Australia launch new 'strategic defense' framework". The Japan Times.
  107. ↑ Yomiuri Shimbun (12 December 2025). "Koizumi, Hegseth Affirm Close Japan-U.S. Cooperation in Phone Talks after Chinese Military Radar Incident". japannews.yomiuri.co.jp.
  108. ↑ Japan’s defense minister joins Pete Hegseth for early morning gym workout. 16 January 2026 – via www.the-independent.com.
  109. ↑ Johnson, Jesse (16 January 2026). "U.S.-Japan alliance 'unshakable,' Koizumi declares after Pentagon meeting with Hegseth". The Japan Times.
  110. ↑ Higashi, Shige (26 February 2026). "Defense Minister Koizumi Joins Los Angeles' 15th Anniversary of Operation Tomodachi Reception Hosted by Consulate General of Japan". culturalnews.com.
  111. ↑ Mahadzir, Dzirhan (13 January 2026). "Japanese Defense Minister Urges Indo-Pacific Nations to Link Defense Efforts During Hawaii Visit". USNI News.
  112. ↑ Kim, Jack (30 January 2026). "South Korea, Japan defence ministers agree to upgrade cooperation". Reuters.
  113. ↑ Dong-ha, Kim (30 January 2026). "Defense Ministers Engage in Ping-Pong Diplomacy". The Chosun Daily.
  114. 1 2 "神奈川１１区、自民党の小泉進次郎・防衛相が当選確実". 読売新聞 (in Japanese). 8 February 2026.
  115. ↑ Kuhn, Anthony (9 February 2026). "Japan's Takaichi to pursue conservative agenda after election landslide". NPR.
  116. ↑ 政治部, 時事通信 (10 February 2026). "小泉防衛相、改憲国民投票「速やかに」：時事ドットコム". 時事ドットコム (in Japanese).
  117. ↑ 日本放送協会 (10 April 2026). "小泉防衛相 "攻撃型ドローン 生産保有検討すべき"と考え示す". NHKニュース.
  118. ↑ Johnson, Jesse (19 July 2026). "Japan 'cannot avoid' nuclear weapons debate, defense chief Koizumi says". The Japan Times.
  119. ↑ Johnson, Jesse (14 February 2026). "With eye on China, Koizumi stresses importance of rules-based order". The Japan Times.
  120. ↑ Dominguez, Gabriel (8 April 2026). "Japan and Australia eye joint missile and drone production amid U.S. stockpile concerns". The Japan Times.
  121. ↑ Dominguez, Gabriel (9 April 2026). "Japan and Australia warn against Indo-Pacific 'security vacuum' amid global crises". The Japan Times.
  122. ↑ Tomorrow's Affairs (18 April 2026). "Australia and Japan seal $6.5B warship deal". tomorrowsaffairs.com.
  123. ↑ Lee, Michelle Ye Hee (21 April 2026). "Japan lifts post-World War II ban on lethal weapons exports". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286.
  124. ↑ "Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules". The Straits Times. 21 April 2026. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 28 August 2026.
  125. ↑ 佐藤瑞季 (11 March 2026). "小泉防衛相、5月に東南アジア訪問検討 4月に豪州 装備輸出を協議：朝日新聞". 朝日新聞 (in Japanese).
  126. ↑ The Straits Times (4 May 2026). "Indonesia, Japan sign defence pact after Tokyo unlocks arms exports". straitstimes.com. ISSN 0585-3923.
  127. ↑ Gomez, Jim; Calupitan, Joeal (5 May 2026). "Japan and Philippines agree to weapons pact talks as China's 'coercive activities' cause alarm". AP News.
  128. ↑ The Jakarta Post (6 May 2026). "Japan plans early transfer of warships and aircraft to Philippines - Asia & Pacific". thejakartapost.com.
  129. ↑ Dominguez, Gabriel (30 May 2026). "U.S. and Japan defense chiefs agree to accelerate missile coproduction". The Japan Times.
  130. ↑ France-Presse, Agence (31 May 2026). "Japan defence minister rebuffs claims of 'new militarism' levelled by China". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  131. ↑ France-Presse, Agence (31 May 2026). "Japan defence minister rebuffs claims of 'new militarism' levelled by China". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  132. ↑ Mai, Le Nhu (2 July 2026). "Koizumi's First Trip to Seoul: A Sign of Cautious Japan-South Korea Reconciliation". The Diplomat.
  133. ↑ The Mainichi (29 June 2026). "Japan, S. Korea agree to advance talks on defense equipment cooperation". Mainichi Daily News.
  134. ↑ Johnson, Jesse (21 July 2026). "Canada to join Japan-Italy-U.K. fighter project as first observer nation". The Japan Times.
  135. ↑ The Mainichi (3 July 2026). "Japan defense chief to attend NATO summit events next week". Mainichi Daily News.
  136. ↑ Al Jazeera (15 August 2026). "Japanese minister visits shrine to war dead, angering China, South Korea". aljazeera.com.
  137. ↑ Firstpost (18 August 2026). "Japan, Australia join hands to make hypersonic missiles as Trump shakes hands with Xi, Kim". firstpost.com.
  138. ↑ The Japan Times (20 August 2026). "India and Japan agree to bolster defense ties". japantimes.co.jp.
  139. ↑ "代理参拝数を70人に訂正 超党派靖国参拝の会". 日本経済新聞. 16 August 2012. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  140. ↑ "2 Japanese ministers visit controversial Yasukuni war shrine". AFP. 15 August 2013. Archived from the original on 15 August 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  141. ↑ "LDP bigwigs visit Yasukuni Shrine on anniversary of war surrender". The Asahi Shimbun. 15 August 2022. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  142. ↑ "【速報】自民総裁選で注目される小泉進次郎氏と小林鷹之氏が靖国に参拝｜FNNプライムオンライン". FNNプライムオンライン (in Japanese). 15 August 2024. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  143. ↑ "【速報】小泉進次郎農水相が靖国神社を参拝 石破内閣発足後の閣僚参拝の確認は初 環境相在任中も終戦の日に参拝｜FNNプライムオンライン". FNNプライムオンライン. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  144. ↑ 山本, 雄史 (19 May 2013). "【今週の進次郎】慰安婦問題のしつこい質問にブチ切れ寸前？". MSN Sankei News. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  145. ↑ "朝日・東大谷口研究室共同調査 - 2017衆院選：朝日新聞デジタル". 朝日新聞デジタル (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 14 October 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  146. ↑ 日本放送協会. "[NHK衆議院選挙]横須賀・三浦、神奈川１１区の候補者アンケート - 衆院選2021 NHK". www.nhk.or.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  147. ↑ "夫婦別姓の賛否、割れる自民議員 総裁選前に朝日・東大調査で分析：朝日新聞デジタル". 朝日新聞デジタル (in Japanese). 16 August 2024. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  148. ↑ 日本放送協会. "[【NHK衆院選】横須賀・三浦・神奈川11区候補者調査 - 衆院選2025 NHK". www.nhk.or.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  149. ↑ 日本放送協会. "神奈川１１区（横須賀市・三浦市）の立候補者に聞いたNHKの衆議院選挙2026候補者アンケートです。 候補者をクリックすると候補者ごとの経歴や人となり、主張がご覧いただけます。". NHKニュース.
  150. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏、企業・団体献金禁止に反論 「税金丸抱えの政治はノー」". カナロコ by 神奈川新聞 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 13 June 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  151. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏「党で縛らないで」選択的夫婦別姓法案採決時の党議拘束「かけるべきではない」". 日刊スポーツ） (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 9 March 2025. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
  152. ↑ "小泉進次郎氏、首相退陣論をけん制…信頼回復には「苦しい時も支える組織」であるべきと持論". 読売新聞オンライン (in Japanese). 20 March 2025. Archived from the original on 29 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
  153. ↑ The Korea Times (18 August 2026). "Japan defense minister says US, S. Korea cooperation 'critical' for security". koreatimes.co.kr.
  154. ↑ "進次郎人気裏付け 政務官就任期待７６％ 東北は全国平均下回る". MSN Sankei News. 7 October 2013. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  155. ↑ "総理大臣にふさわしいと思う政治家は？". 7 December 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  156. ↑ "２０１８年３月３１日～４月１日 電話全国世論調査". Yomiuri. 2 April 2018. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  157. ↑ "日本テレビ世論調査". www.ntv.co.jp. Archived from the original on 15 April 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  158. ↑ Osaki, Tomohiro (31 May 2018). "Rising LDP star Shinjiro Koizumi, like his charismatic dad, finds growing fan base". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  159. ↑ "国会土産でも進次郎人気 麻生、石破抑え堂々２位 １位の首相追う". MSN Sankei News. 13 November 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  160. ↑ "Poll: 16% prefer Koizumi as prime minister; 36% choose 'no one' | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis". The Asahi Shimbun. Archived from the original on 13 September 2025. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
  161. ↑ "Koizumi viewed most suitable as Prime Minister: Jiji Poll". Arab News Japan. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
  162. ↑ "小泉進次郎農相の横顔". 日本経済新聞 (in Japanese). 21 May 2025. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  163. ↑ Takahashi, Ryusei (17 January 2020). "It's a boy! Christel Takigawa, wife of minister Shinjiro Koizumi, gives birth". The JapanTimes. Archived from the original on 17 January 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
  164. ↑ "滝川クリステル、第2子女児出産を報告「新生児をこの腕に抱く幸福感は想像以上でした」". Oricon News. 22 November 2023. Archived from the original on 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  165. ↑ Hollingsworth, Julia (16 January 2020). "A Japanese minister is making waves for taking paternity leave". CNN. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  166. ↑ Rich, Motoko (15 January 2020). "A Japanese Politician Is Taking Paternity Leave. It's a Big Deal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  167. ↑ 「気候変動問題はセクシーに」小泉大臣が国連で演説(19/09/23). 22 September 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  168. ↑ 小泉大臣メッセージ/Minister's remark 10th Regional 3R&CE Forum. kankyosho. 6 December 2020. Archived from the original on 10 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024 – via YouTube.
  169. ↑ "米大使が福島でサーフィン：時事ドットコム". 時事ドットコム (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  170. ↑ 中山知子. "小泉進次郎氏「持ち上げられたらたたかれる。そんなもん」サーフィンへの高評価をクールにスルー - 社会 : 日刊スポーツ". nikkansports.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 18 September 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  171. ↑ 産経新聞 (6 July 2024). "小泉進次郎氏、総裁選「すべきことしっかり考える」 米大使と福島のサーフィン大会視察". 産経新聞：産経ニュース (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  172. ↑ "asahi.com（朝日新聞社）：小泉進次郎氏「自民党再建へ頑張る」　世襲批判覆す - ２００９総選挙". www.asahi.com. 31 August 2009.
  173. ↑ 神奈川11区 第45回衆議院議員選挙. www.senkyo.janjan.jp/ ザ･選挙 (in Japanese). JANJAN. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
  174. ↑ "自民爆勝！小泉進次郎氏ＭＶＰ！！/デイリースポーツ online". デイリースポーツ online (in Japanese). 17 December 2012.
  175. ↑ 総選挙2012>開票結果 小選挙区 神奈川. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  176. ↑ 小選挙区】神奈川11区 2014総選挙 (in Japanese). NHK. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  177. ↑ 小選挙区】神奈川11区 2017総選挙 (in Japanese). NHK. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  178. ↑ 開票速報 小選挙区：神奈川 - 2021衆議 (in Japanese). NHK. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  179. ↑ 選 神奈川11区の候補者｜第50回衆議院議員総選挙（衆院選) 2024 (in Japanese). shugiin. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shinjirō_Koizumi&oldid=1381647244"