Japan’s LDP Debates Early Presidential Election After House Defeat, Written Consent Process Begins, Moriyama Retained as Kagoshima Chair

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan has initiated discussions on advancing the timing of its presidential election following a substantial defeat in the recent House of Councillors election. On August 19, 2025, the LDP's presidential election management committee convened for the first time at the party headquarters to deliberate on whether to hold an early leadership election, a move widely seen as a de facto recall of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who also serves as party president. The process involves collecting written consent from the party's 295 lawmakers and 47 prefectural federation representatives, with a majority of at least 172 votes required to approve the early election. This procedural step is expected to begin by the end of August, after the party completes its post-election review. The debate reflects growing internal pressure for Ishiba's resignation, with some party members anticipating that former Minister Takako Takaichi may succeed him. Meanwhile, the LDP's Kagoshima prefectural federation has decided to retain Hiroshi Moriyama as its chairman despite his earlier intention to resign following the party's electoral losses. Separately, Hiroshima's four-term governor, Hidehiko Yuzaki, announced he will not seek re-election after 16 years in office. Additionally, Japan's largest opposition party is reportedly softening its stance toward Ishiba's minority government to foster political improvement.