TOKYO - Prime Minister Ishiba’s declaration to remain in office has triggered a surge in moves within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to unseat him. The party’s top four executives have announced their resignations, and former Prime Minister Aso has endorsed bringing forward the leadership election.
Current cabinet ministers have also expressed support for an early contest, with some lawmakers publishing written endorsements ahead of the September 8th submission deadline.
Amid this intensifying conflict, Ishiba’s options to resist are limited. One possibility is the dissolution of the House of Representatives, a tactic seen as a last resort. However, public concerns are rising that while political maneuvering dominates headlines, measures to address living standards remain stalled. The government is considering cash handouts of 20,000 yen per day, but debate continues over whether to impose income limits. A survey found 83 percent believe such measures would not boost support for the Ishiba administration, while only 10 percent said it would.
Pressure from within the party has been mounting. Lawmakers such as Nakatani have openly signed requests for an early leadership election, and Cabinet members including Minister Suzuki have also voiced support. Younger lawmakers are following suit, fueling momentum for change. A survey of 566 respondents showed that 52 percent support an early leadership election, while 38 percent oppose it, with many citing the LDP’s string of defeats in the Lower House, Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, and Upper House elections as evidence that the party leadership must take responsibility.
Some in the LDP see the “dissolution card” as Ishiba’s way to regain leverage. Dissolving the Lower House would allow the prime minister to wield control over candidate endorsements, creating pressure on lawmakers concerned about reelection prospects. Yet critics argue that such a move lacks clear justification and could deepen divisions within the party.
The struggle is further complicated by the sharp decline in the number of LDP lawmakers since last year, making it harder for potential candidates to gather the 20 endorsements required to enter the race. Even Ishiba himself could face difficulty securing sufficient support. Meanwhile, senior figures such as Koizumi have hinted at the possibility of running if Ishiba steps down voluntarily, reflecting the fluid nature of party dynamics.
Public frustration remains high over issues such as political funding scandals and insufficient responses to rising living costs. Comparative examples abroad, such as Sweden’s temporary reduction of food taxes from 12 to 6 percent, have sparked debate in Japan over whether more flexible measures are needed. For now, the LDP’s internal turmoil overshadows policy debate, leaving both party members and voters uncertain about the path forward.
Source: YOMIURI
