Shigeru Ishiba was elected as Japan's 102nd Prime Minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida. The Lower House formally selected Ishiba in the morning, followed by the Upper House. Ishiba's new cabinet was announced, featuring 13 first-time ministers and only two women. The cabinet's average age is 63. In the evening, Ishiba held his first press conference as Prime Minister, outlining his "Cabinet of Understanding and Empathy." He announced plans to dissolve the Lower House on October 9th, with elections set for October 27th. Ishiba emphasized addressing rising prices, continuing the "asset management nation" policy, and potentially revising the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement. The rapid transition to elections reflects the LDP's strategy amidst ongoing political challenges.