Party’s sinking ship sets LDP on a tense course. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba now faces his darkest political moment. Meanwhile, his ruling Liberal Democratic Party struggles to hold together amid rising internal turmoil. First, Secretary‑General Hiroshi Moriyama offered to resign. He cited the party’s poor showing in the Upper House election. That move triggered a wave of resignations among top executives in recent days.
Factional infighting has since escalated. During a gathering in Yokohama, former Prime Minister Taro Aso called for an early leadership vote. Aso leads the only major organized faction left in the party. His bold demand signaled mounting resistance within the ranks.
LDP lawmakers now question whether Ishiba can regain stability. Some members call for immediate reforms. Others remain cautious, fearing further division. To calm tensions, Ishiba is pushing an economic stimulus plan. His proposal seeks fast relief for households hit by inflation and U.S. tariffs. Cabinet ministers have been instructed to draft key measures quickly.
He plans to unveil the package during the autumn special session in the Diet. By acting decisively, Ishiba hopes to shift focus from party discord to economic recovery. Amid political pressure, Ishiba also met with Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda. They discussed market volatility and the weakening yen. Ueda stressed the need for stable currency management.
If economic conditions allow, the BOJ could raise interest rates soon. The central bank remains aligned with the government’s broader economic goals.
On the diplomatic front, Ishiba is building international partnerships. A late August meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in a decade-long cooperation roadmap.
Both leaders agreed to boost Japanese investment in India. They also plan to deepen cultural and strategic ties. This agreement strengthens Ishiba’s global profile despite growing domestic unrest. Still, internal dissent continues to grow. Public approval for Ishiba’s cabinet has fallen sharply. Opposition parties gained ground in the Upper House vote.
Critics now challenge the LDP on trade policy and rising living costs. These issues resonate deeply with voters, adding more strain to the ruling coalition. In response, Ishiba hopes to rebuild trust through economic action and foreign engagement. Party leaders, however, are demanding a new presidential vote.
Many insiders believe fresh leadership is necessary to save the party. Despite that pressure, Ishiba refuses to step down. He warns that a leadership vacuum could paralyze the government. In summary, Ishiba battles on amid the party’s sinking ship. Economic plans are underway, and diplomacy continues abroad. Yet internal revolt threatens his future. The LDP’s fate now depends on whether Ishiba can restore unity and regain public trust. If he fails, an early leadership change seems inevitable.
