Mainichi: Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba to resign next month
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to announce his resignation at the end of next month, the Mainichi newspaper reported on July 23.
Mr. Ishiba is facing growing opposition within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for his declaration that he will continue to hold power despite the ruling coalition's heavy defeat in the upper house election on July 20.
According to the Yomiuri newspaper, Mr. Ishiba told close associates on the evening of July 22 that he would explain how he took responsibility for the election defeat after reaching a resolution on the trade talks.
In a post on Truth Social on the morning of July 23, Asian time, US President Donald Trump said he had just completed a "huge" deal with Japan, including $550 billion in investment in the US.
Speaking after Mr Trump's post, Mr Ishiba said he was willing to meet or speak by phone with Mr Trump after being briefed by Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, who is in Washington for talks.
"I can't say anything until I carefully consider the outcome of the deal," Mr. Ishiba told reporters when asked how the deal with Washington might affect his decision to step down.
In explaining his decision to stay in office, Mr. Ishiba stressed the need to avoid creating a political vacuum as Japan faces challenges, including difficult trade negotiations with the United States that will have a huge impact on the export-dependent economy.
“I will continue in office and do everything in my power to chart a path to resolve these challenges,” Mr. Ishiba said at a news conference on July 21, adding that he planned to speak directly with Mr. Trump as soon as possible to bring about tangible results.
Mr. Ishiba is expected to meet senior ruling party figures later on July 23 to discuss the election results.
