Ishiba PM urged to stay: support unlikely to surge

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Faces Uncertain Future

Electoral Setbacks Diminish Coalition Majority

• Upper house elections on Sunday removed Ishiba’s coalition from an upper‑house majority.
• A similar loss earlier in the lower chamber compounded the coalition’s woes.

Leadership Challenge Emerges Online

Signature Campaign Targets Ishiba’s Resignation

• Conservative LDP members collected signatures to convene a special meeting for a leadership vote.
• Fuji TV reported the effort on Friday.

Sanae Takaichi’s Potential Candidacy

• Hardline nationalist and former heavy‑metal drummer.
• Lost the leadership contest to Ishiba in September.
• 64‑year‑old, poised to run again if Ishiba departs.
• Wins could make her Japan’s first woman prime minister.

#IshibaDontQuit Movement from Opponents

• Hawkish views on Japanese history and China spurred calls to keep the moderate Ishiba in power.
• Opposition politicians, including a Communist Party ward assembly member, added support.
• LaSalle Ishii, a new Social Democratic Party lawmaker, said “Ishiba is the most reasonable LDP leader in recent memory.”
• Comedian and voice actor warned a far‑right government would emerge if he resigned.

Opposition Perspectives and Rally Plans

Communist Party Comment

Stated that Ishiba’s resignation would invite a far‑right government.

Reiwa Shinsengumi Remarks

Leader Taro Yamamoto questioned who would replace Ishiba if he left.

Evening Rally Uncertain Attendance

A rally planned for Friday evening in front of the prime minister’s office aimed to urge him to stay, though attendance remained uncertain.

Public Opinion Snapshot

• Kyodo News survey after Sunday’s election showed Ishiba government approval at 22.9 percent.
• 45.8 percent believed no resignation was needed.

Economic and Trade Context

• Japan faces a ballooning social security budget to pay pensions for its aging, shrinking population.
• New U.S. trade deal subjects Japanese imports to a 15 percent tariff, though a 25 percent threat looms.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted quarterly evaluations and potential tariff adjustments.

These dynamics underscore the fragile position of Prime Minister Ishiba amid coalition setbacks, public pressure, and rising economic challenges.