Key Facts
• August 15: Ishiba delivers speech at National Memorial Ceremony in Tokyo.
• Speech emphasizes lessons from war, vows to uphold peace across generations.
• First use of “reflection” in PM’s speech since 2012, marking 13 years.
• Cabinet approval rating rises to 27.3%, up 6.5 points from the previous month.
• Ishiba ranks 3rd (11.3%) as next PM; leads among LDP supporters at 24.6%.
• “PM Premium” index shows +11.6, indicating Ishiba’s personal appeal exceeds party support.
• August 8: LDP meeting delegates early leadership election decision to committee.
• August 9: Miyazaki LDP branch formally requests early leadership election.
• August 11: Akita LDP branch voices similar support for early election.
• August 12: LDP Youth Bureau gathers mixed opinions on leadership election timing.
Summary
Prime Minister Ishiba delivered a reflective speech on August 15 at the National Memorial Ceremony, emphasizing the importance of learning from past wars and committing to peace. His use of “reflection” in the speech was the first in 13 years. Amid rising public support, with a 6.5-point increase in cabinet approval to 27.3%, Ishiba faces internal party challenges. While he ranks third overall as a potential next PM, he leads among Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) supporters. The “PM Premium” index of +11.6 highlights his personal appeal surpassing party support. However, calls for his resignation grow within the LDP, with multiple regional branches and the Youth Bureau debating an early leadership election. The party’s internal dynamics remain tense as decisions on leadership timing loom.
