Shigeru Ishiba Japan\’s rapidly shrinking PM

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confronts a steep political setback

Shigeru Ishiba addressed the media after it became clear that his coalition had lost the upper house majority in the elections. The loss has left the Liberal Democratic Party and its partner Komeito in a position where they must negotiate with opposition parties to pass legislation.

Shifting political fortunes

• The LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, is now facing the possibility of a leadership change.
• Professor Masahisa Endo of Waseda University noted that it remains uncertain whether any other political figure is ready to step into the role.

A defense‑geek who hails from a regional governor’s family

Ishiba, 68, is a self‑confessed defense geek and comes from Japan’s small Christian minority. He won the LDP leadership six months after his fifth attempt and became the party’s 10th separate prime minister since 2000, all men.

“Creating a new Japan” and rural revitalisation

• Ishiba pledged to revitalize depressed rural areas and to tackle the “quiet emergency” of Japan’s shrinking population.
• He called lower house elections for October, but the LDP suffered its worst result in 15 years, losing the majority.

Policy inconsistency and a declining popularity rating

Stefan Angrick of Moody’s Analytics described the government’s policies on inflation and growth as “flip‑flopped.” He said the government was “boxed itself in,” offering only belated and half‑hearted financial support that would do little to improve the demand outlook. The popularity rating plummeted amid rising prices, especially for rice.

Ishiba’s cabinet is now a leaner body

Ishiba, a father of two daughters, appointed only two women to his cabinet, down from five under predecessor Fumio Kishida. Social media has mocked his less-than‑tidy tuxedo and awkward table manners, even noting a viral clip of him eating a rice ball with his mouth open.

The trade impasse with the United States

Negotiating with US President Donald Trump has proved difficult. Trump imposed painful tariffs on Japanese cars, steel, and aluminium. Five additional 25 % tariffs on other Japanese imports will take effect on 1 August if no trade agreement emerges. Ishiba travelled to Washington seven times after an early White House invitation in February, but the talks have stalled.

A comparison to the late Shinzo Abe

• Abe, dubbed a “Trump whisperer,” managed to shield Japan during Trump’s first term and maintained strong talks despite the looming tariffs.
• He famously gifted Trump a gold‑coloured golf club and was a frequent guest at the White House.
• According to Trump, Abe was so influential that “there will never be another like him.”