Japanese PM Ishiba Meets Former Leaders as LDP Plans September 2 Election Defeat Report, 63% Undecided on Early Vote

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba held a dinner meeting with former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and former LDP Secretary-General Taku Yamazaki, along with Economy Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa and former Secretary-General Tsutomu Takebe. The discussion focused on postwar perspectives, government administration, and diplomatic policies. Ahead of a possible early Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, party members exchanged views, with some advising Ishiba on future governance. The LDP is preparing a comprehensive review of its recent House of Councillors election defeat, with a special committee meeting scheduled for August 29 and a report to be presented at a joint parliamentary meeting on September 2. Party Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama emphasized clarifying responsibility in the election loss. A recent party survey showed that 63% of LDP Diet members have not taken a stance on advancing the presidential election, while 22% support moving it forward. The LDP presidential election committee plans to collect signed statements from Diet members on the matter, with a deadline expected by September 8. Discussions about the extent of Prime Minister Ishiba's personal responsibility in the election defeat continue, with the draft report currently not emphasizing individual accountability but leaving room for revisions. Meanwhile, speculation grows about the potential inclusion of Nippon Ishin no Kai as a third coalition partner amid the LDP's internal challenges and a noted liberal shift within the party, which complicates conservative elements such as former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi's stance. The party is actively debating the timing and necessity of an extraordinary presidential election as part of its broader efforts to address recent political setbacks.