Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign in August

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is likely to announce his resignation in late August, the Mainichi Shimbun reported. He has faced growing opposition from within his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for vowing to stay in power despite the ruling coalition’s crushing defeat in the July 20 upper house election. According to the Mainichi Shimbun, Ishiba told close aides on the evening of July 22 that he would explain how he would take responsibility for the election defeat once trade talks were resolved. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday (July 23) Asian time that he had concluded a “major” deal with Japan, including $550 billion (703 billion USD) in investment in the United States. After Trump’s announcement, Ishiba told reporters that he was ready to speak to Trump by phone or in person after learning more from Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, who was in Washington for the talks. Asked how the deal with Washington might affect his decision to step down, Ishiba said, “I can’t say anything without analyzing the results of the deal.” In explaining his decision not to step down, Ishiba cited the need to avoid a political vacuum in Japan, especially when the country faces challenges such as tough trade talks that could have a major impact on its export-dependent economy. Earlier, at a news conference on Monday (July 21), he said, “I will remain in charge and do my best to find ways to resolve these challenges.” He also said he wanted to speak directly with Trump as soon as possible to get tangible results.