News brief

Japan picks a new prime minister. Japan’s governing party picked former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its leader on Sept. 27, setting him up to become prime minister next week. Mr. Ishiba is on his way to the top job because the Liberal Democratic Party’s governing coalition controls parliament. Considered a defense policy expert, Mr. Ishiba secured an unexpected win against Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who hoped to become the country’s first female prime minister.

Shifting demographics are challenging Japan’s reputation as a homogeneous society – and creating unprecedented openings for immigrants to participate in local government.