Photo/Illutration Yoshiko Ishiba, right, receives flowers from a supporter in Tottori after her husband, Shigeru, was elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Sept. 27. (Shinya Okudaira)

TOTTORI—Yoshiko Ishiba, the new first lady of Japan and the wife of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has been a steadfast supporter of her husband’s political career for many years.

Known for her bright personality, Yoshiko, 68, has played a crucial role in Shigeru’s journey from a freshman lawmaker to the national leader.

The couple met as classmates at Tokyo’s Keio University, where Shigeru initially attempted to court Yoshiko, only to be politely rejected. After graduating, Yoshiko began her career at Marubeni Corp. while Shigeru joined Mitsui Bank.

A heartfelt message of condolence from Yoshiko following the death of Shigeru's father, former Tottori Governor Jiro Ishiba, rekindled their connection. 

This led to romance and eventually marriage. Together, they have raised two daughters.

Yoshiko is particularly beloved here in their hometown where Shigeru has often remarked that she receives a warmer welcome from the community than he does.

Yaeko Nishikawa, head of a women’s support group for Shigeru, echoed this sentiment, stating, “She is such a charming person. In fact, she is even more popular than he is.”

On Sept. 27, after Shigeru was elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Yoshiko was surrounded by supporters and reporters in Tottori. A touching moment was captured when he called her during her media interview, bringing a smile to her face.

Addressing her husband’s well-known focus on security issues, Yoshiko emphasized the importance of people’s daily lives, stating that the new prime minister must prioritize everyday concerns.

(This article was written by Takayuki Seino and Kohei Morioka.)

Related News