Overview

• The LDP’s election management committee decided to publish the names of lawmakers seeking an accelerated presidential vote and is targeting around September 8 to collect written intentions.
• Justice Parliamentary Secretary Junichi Kanda said he is prepared to resign to push for an early contest and argued the name‑publishing plan conflicts with the principle of secret voting.
• Deputy Environment Minister Fumiaki Kobayashi urged a prompt contest and said he would step down if required, framing an open race as necessary to restore legitimacy and morale.
• The party’s post‑election review draft, slated for presentation on August 29, avoids assigning personal blame to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and cites the ¥20,000 cash pledge as a factor in the defeat.
• Media reporting notes concern over a potential resignation domino after successive losses left the ruling bloc without an Upper House majority and intensified internal pressure for change.