Japan’s LDP Leaders Aso, Kishida, Motegi Hold Dinner Meeting Ahead of Upper House Election, Plenary Set for August 8

Three senior members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)—Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida, and Toshimitsu Motegi—have held a series of meetings, including a recent dinner, to exchange views ahead of the upcoming House of Councillors election. These three politicians, who played central roles in the Kishida administration since its formation in 2021 and were collectively referred to as the "three-headed leadership," have met regularly since March. Their discussions have focused on the electoral situation and the challenges the ruling coalition faces in securing a majority in the upper house. Despite their past cooperation, tensions emerged over factional dissolutions led by Kishida and last autumn's party presidential election. Separately, other LDP senior figures, including party leader Ichiro Ishiba, have convened to discuss strategies for the election. The party has scheduled a plenary meeting for August 8, according to multiple reports from Kyodo News.