TBS: Japan LDP leadership election to be 'full spec'

TBS: Japan LDP leadership election to be 'full spec'

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to hold a full-scale leadership election following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba [1]. The election, scheduled for September 2, will determine the party's new leader and potentially shape the future of Japan's political and economic landscape.

Ishiba's resignation, announced on Sunday, came amidst growing public dissatisfaction with the government and mounting internal pressure within the LDP. The party suffered significant losses in the July parliamentary elections, losing its majority in both the Lower House and the Upper House of the Diet [1]. The election defeat fueled calls for Ishiba to take responsibility, and despite his resistance, the party's divisions over his leadership continued to intensify.

The LDP's leadership election will serve as a de facto no-confidence motion against Ishiba, with the party expected to decide on holding the election just a day before his resignation [1]. Former Health Minister Norihisa Tamura urged Ishiba to resign to prevent further division and allow the party to focus on necessary economic measures and opposition support [1].

Ishiba's resignation also marks the end of his tenure as the LDP president. His term was marked by several key initiatives, including successfully lowering U.S. tariff rates on Japan from 25% to 15% and inviting U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Japan to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance [1].

The LDP's leadership election is expected to attract significant attention from investors and financial professionals, as the outcome could influence Japan's economic policies and trade relations. The election will also determine the party's strategy in the upcoming parliamentary session and its approach to opposition parties.

References:
[1] https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/japanese-prime-minister-shigeru-ishiba-to-resign-report-2025-09-07-1007076