Dr Sota Kato, a research director at The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research think-tank, noted that Mr Ishiba had made an explicit promise to Mr Kishida that he would continue many of Mr Kishida’s policies as he viewed his predecessor’s achievements positively. He added that the new prime minister would likely continue to further strengthen Japan’s security by boosting defence spending and fostering closer partnerships.

"Incoming Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba likely to stay the course on diplomacy despite rhetoric: Experts," The Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/incoming-japan-pm-shigeru-ishiba-likely-to-stay-the-course-on-diplomacy-despite-rhetoric-experts

Profile of Research Director Sota Kato
https://www.tkfd.or.jp/en/experts/detail.php?id=29