• Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba is expected to resign after electoral losses for his party.
• Ishiba faces internal opposition and declining approval ratings following a major election defeat.
• Speculation about a US trade deal impacts Ishiba's tenure amid calls for accountability.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is under pressure to announce his resignation following a significant electoral loss in the upper house elections, according to multiple reports. Ishiba's ruling coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito, failed to secure a majority, leading to increased scrutiny of his leadership amidst ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, particularly a new tariff agreement announced with President Trump, which lowers tariffs on car imports from Japan from 25% to 15%. Ishiba has denied intentions to resign, calling such speculation "completely unfounded," yet analysts believe his departure is imminent as the coalition cannot effectively govern without a parliamentary majority, according to Reuters and Reuters.

With his Cabinet approval rating dropping below 23% after electoral setbacks, Ishiba has stated that he aims to ensure stability and pursue the new trade deal during a critical political juncture. As dissatisfaction grows within the party, particularly among younger members, calls for a leadership change are intensifying. While Ishiba has highlighted the need to prevent a political vacuum, which could further destabilize the government, reports suggest he is expected to formally announce his resignation plans by the end of August, as detailed by India Times and South China Morning Post.

As speculation about Ishiba's potential successors mounts, figures such as Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi are seen as likely candidates for the LDP leadership role. The internal strife within the coalition suggests that whoever succeeds Ishiba would face immediate challenges in uniting the party and winning public support amid the declining popularity of the LDP, which is grappling with deepening political identity issues. Analysts warn that the party must navigate its path carefully between resurgent nationalist sentiments and traditional centrist policies, reflecting concerns expressed by political scientists and commentators regarding the future of the LDP, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Responses from the public illustrate the divide in opinion regarding Ishiba’s leadership, with many expressing frustrations over economic challenges and the perceived lack of effective governance since he assumed office less than a year ago. Remarks from constituents indicate a desire for renewed leadership capable of addressing economic grievances and restoring confidence in the LDP, as noted by reports from the Los Angeles Times and AA.