Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Ishiba’s Political Future Tied to U.S. Trade Pact After LDP’s Upper House Defeat

He will await full details of President Trump’s $550 billion investment deal with 15 percent reciprocal tariffs before deciding whether to resign

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a press conference at the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo on July 21, 2025, the day after the prime minister's coalition lost its upper house majority. PHILIP FONG/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • President Trump announced a “massive” trade agreement that cuts U.S. import tariffs on Japanese goods to 15 percent and secures $550 billion in Japanese investment
  • Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to stay in office until he can scrutinize the final terms of the U.S. deal and will make his resignation decision by the end of August
  • The LDP-Komeito coalition lost its Upper House majority on July 20, plunging the government into a rare minority position in both chambers
  • Senior figures within the Liberal Democratic Party and local chapters are stepping up demands for Ishiba to step down after the election setback
  • Leading LDP lawmakers such as Sanae Takaichi, Shinjiro Koizumi and Toshimitsu Motegi are positioning themselves for a party leadership contest once Ishiba departs