Japan's PM Ishiba Faces Pressure Over US Trade Deal and Election Loss; LDP Considers Early Leadership Vote

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing mounting pressure within his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) following a poor performance in the recent Upper House election. Ishiba has acknowledged his responsibility and stated he will consider it appropriately based on the party's upcoming review, expected by the end of August. Despite calls from party members and prefectural LDP chapters, including Miyazaki, for an early party presidential election to replace Ishiba, the prime minister has expressed his intention to continue addressing key issues such as the full implementation of the US-Japan trade agreement and tariff matters. The LDP's general meeting on August 8 set in motion procedures to confirm whether to advance the party leadership election. Former officials and party members have urged a swift decision to stabilize the government and avoid a political vacuum, emphasizing the need to respond to public sentiment and prepare for upcoming budgetary measures. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attended the APEC ministerial meeting to discuss sustainable agricultural production and is engaging with South Korea to lift import restrictions on Japanese seafood. Koizumi also visited rice farms near Seoul as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. The situation reflects internal party divisions and a critical juncture for Ishiba's leadership amid challenges in domestic politics and international trade.