Kishida vows to lead with 'trust and empathy' to fix Japan

Mr. Kishida said he hopes to close divisions caused by the pandemic that has worsened gaps between the rich and the poor

In his first policy speech on October 8, Japan’s new Prime Minister promised to strengthen pandemic management and health care in case of another coronavirus resurgence, and turn around the battered economy while bolstering the country's defenses against threats from China and North Korea.

Tasked with a crucial mission of rallying public support ahead of national elections expected on October 31, Mr. Kishida promised to pursue politics of “trust and empathy.”

He was elected by the Parliament and as Japan's 100th Prime Minister, succeeding Yoshihide Suga who left after only a year in office. Mr. Suga's perceived high-handed approach to virus measures and holding the Olympics despite rising cases angered the public and hurt the ruling Liberal Democrats.