Key Facts
• On July 29, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) decided to hold a General Assembly.
• The assembly, a key decision-making body, is expected to convene in August 2025.
• Calls for the assembly arose after the LDP’s major defeat in the House of Councillors election.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces mounting criticism and demands for resignation.
• A July 28 discussion meeting lasted 4.5 hours, exceeding the planned 2 hours.
• The meeting saw repeated calls for Ishiba’s resignation but no change in his stance.
• The General Assembly holds voting power on critical party matters, requiring a majority agreement.
• Over one-third of LDP lawmakers signed a petition to demand the assembly.
• Key figures, including Deputy Minister Hiroyoshi Sasagawa, led the petition effort.
• Sasagawa and others met with Haruko Arimura, the assembly chair, on July 29.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has decided to convene a General Assembly in August 2025, following internal pressure after a significant electoral defeat. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces growing calls for resignation, with tensions escalating during a July 28 meeting that extended to 4.5 hours. Despite criticism, Ishiba remains firm on continuing his leadership. The assembly, a critical decision-making body, was demanded by over one-third of LDP lawmakers, with Deputy Minister Hiroyoshi Sasagawa playing a central role in gathering signatures. The upcoming assembly is expected to intensify internal divisions within the party.
