Ishiba Faces LDP Revolt as U.S. Eases 15% Tariff on Japan

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party moved a step closer to removing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on 9 August, asking its presidential election committee to consider an early leadership vote under the seldom-used recall clause of Article 6 of the party constitution. The push follows the LDP’s heavy loss in last month’s Upper House election and an increasingly vocal caucus that wants Ishiba to resign immediately. Speaking in Nagasaki after a memorial ceremony, Ishiba said he would "appropriately consider" his responsibility once the party completes its post-election review, but reiterated his intention to stay in office and focus on policy issues. He ruled out immediate changes to party executive posts and stressed the need to resolve trade frictions with Washington. Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, just back from his ninth trip to Washington, told reporters that the Trump administration has agreed to amend its executive order so the new 15 percent reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods will be counted within existing most-favored-nation rates rather than added on top. Tokyo expects refunds for duties already over-collected and said U.S. officials confirmed Japan will retain MFN treatment even if additional semiconductor or pharmaceutical tariffs are imposed. Akazawa added that a separate U.S. order to cut tariffs on Japanese automobiles and parts could take effect in mid-September, citing the 54-day implementation period used in a recent U.K. deal. He will brief the Diet on 15 August. While the clarification eases some pressure, listed companies have warned that uncertain timing still clouds earnings forecasts, and opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda said prolonged debate over Ishiba’s future risks creating a political vacuum as economic negotiations reach a critical stage.