Key Facts
• August 20–22: Ishiba chairs the Africa Development Conference (TICAD) in Yokohama.
• August 23–24: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visits Japan for a summit.
• Late August: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Japan for a summit on August 29.
• September 23: UN General Assembly begins in New York, with potential U.S.-Japan summit.
• 65.9% of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) supporters oppose Ishiba’s resignation, per Jiji Press poll.
• LDP must fill six vacancies in the election management committee before advancing leadership election plans.
• Public opinion increasingly supports Ishiba’s continuation as prime minister.
Summary
Efforts to expedite the removal of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba face significant challenges due to a packed diplomatic schedule. Key events include the Africa Development Conference in Yokohama, summits with South Korean and Indian leaders in August, and the UN General Assembly in September. These engagements make an August resignation announcement unlikely. Additionally, public opinion is shifting in Ishiba’s favor, with 65.9% of LDP supporters opposing his resignation, according to a Jiji Press poll. The LDP must also address procedural delays, such as filling election committee vacancies, before advancing leadership election plans. The combination of diplomatic obligations and growing public support complicates efforts to unseat Ishiba, leaving the timeline for any leadership change uncertain.
