Adversaries push for leadership competition involving Ishiba

In the heart of Japanese politics, a leadership crisis is unfolding as opposition to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba grows within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). According to reports from NHK and Yomiuri Shimbun, former Prime Minister Taro Aso is among those supporting a new leadership contest.

The dissent within the LDP has led to the resignation offers of four senior figures, including Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama. Japanese politics, as Professor Ken Takayasu of Waseda University explains, often moves based on mood and atmosphere, which can be irrational.

Opponents of Ishiba are seeking to rally support for a new leadership election. Japanese Representative Sanae Takaichi, who leads in a recent nationwide survey with 28% public support, has indicated that she will seek a leadership contest. Takaichi stated that leaders should take responsibility when things don't go well, a sentiment echoed by Ishiba, who has expressed his intention to fulfill what the people want him to accomplish.

Ishiba took the helm of the long-dominant LDP last year, but has recently lost his majority in both houses of parliament, most notably in the upper chamber elections in July. Despite this, Ishiba maintains that he still has work to do as leader. He has also stated that he won't run away from taking responsibility and has no intention to cling onto his position if it becomes untenable.

Recent opinion polls suggest a rebounding support for Ishiba's Cabinet, with voters less than keen on Takaichi. However, many LDP lawmakers are uncertain about supporting Ishiba due to potential implications for senior government or party assignments.

The LDP is conducting a survey among its lawmakers and regional officials to decide on a new leadership contest, with results due on Monday next week. The current highest public support for a potential successor to Ishiba, besides Takaichi, is for former Minister Shinjiro Koizumi with 22.5% and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi with 11.4%.

As the leadership race unfolds, the future of the LDP and Japanese politics hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious and lead the party through the challenges ahead.