News On Japan

Ishiba Faces Mounting Pressure as LDP Pushes for Early Leadership Vote

TOKYO, Sep 06 (News On Japan) - 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

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Osaka City decided on September 30th to suspend new applications for so-called special zone minpaku, a category of private lodging that has seen a sharp rise in disputes with local residents.

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in the southern district of Sapporo, closed its doors on September 30th after 20 years of operation, leaving around 300 animals including lions and wolves without a confirmed relocation plan.

Tokyo is expected to record a high of 22°C on October 1st, marking the first time in 112 days since June 11th that the temperature has fallen below 25°C, with rainfall cooling the air and bringing an end to the long stretch of summer-like days.

Photos of cult founder Shoko Asahara, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto and who was executed for his role in the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, are being displayed alongside childhood pictures of his son in facilities linked to Aleph, the successor group to Aum Shinrikyo, according to findings by the Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA).

In a September opinion poll conducted by TV Tokyo and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi was the frontrunner with 34% when respondents were asked who they believed should be the next Liberal Democratic Party president.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Politics NEWS

An anti-immigration rally in Osaka on September 30th descended into chaos as nationalist groups and Antifa counter-protesters clashed in the streets, with loud chants, heated exchanges, and occasional physical altercations captured on camera.

In a September opinion poll conducted by TV Tokyo and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi was the frontrunner with 34% when respondents were asked who they believed should be the next Liberal Democratic Party president.

Five candidates vying for the Liberal Democratic Party presidency held a debate with high school students, emphasizing long-term strategies for Japan’s economy and other policy areas.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race entered its fifth day on September 26th, with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi forced to apologize after his campaign team was found to have requested supportive online posts from backers.

The Supreme Court’s Second Petty Bench, presided over by Chief Justice Akira Ojima, ruled on September 26th that the current system for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives is constitutional, despite a maximum disparity of 2.06-to-1 in the value of votes cast in last October’s general election.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on September 25th that it will withdraw its "Africa Hometown" project, with President Akihiko Tanaka explaining at a press conference that widespread misunderstanding had created excessive burdens for local governments.

Nearly 18 years have passed since journalist Kenji Nagai was shot dead while covering a protest in Myanmar, and new analysis has revealed that his final words were recorded on the video camera he held until the very end.

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru delivered a general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24th, where he underscored the need to expand the Security Council and questioned whether the UN is fulfilling the role originally expected of it.