Prime Minister Ishiba Vows to Remain in Office Amid Party Backlash

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has reaffirmed his commitment to remain in office despite mounting pressure from within his own party following the Liberal Democratic Party’s poor performance in the July 20 Upper House election. Speaking to LDP lawmakers on July 28, Ishiba stated unequivocally that he would not resign, emphasizing that he has responsibilities to fulfill and work to complete.
While acknowledging the party’s electoral setback, Ishiba highlighted the importance of the recently concluded trade agreement with the United States on tariffs. “We must make every effort to ensure that it is implemented,” he asserted. “I want to fulfill my responsibility and not create a political vacuum for the state and people.”
The July 28 meeting, which served as a platform for internal discussion among lawmakers, lacked the authority to enforce significant party decisions. Calls are growing among younger LDP members for a joint plenary meeting of both chambers—a more influential forum—to address urgent leadership issues. A petition to initiate such a meeting is under consideration.
LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama also addressed his own accountability, announcing that he will make a decision regarding his future role after an official report on the election outcome is released in August.