Despite Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba affirming his intention to continue as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for the time being, a wave of resignations hit the party’s upper ranks.
On 2 September 2025, four senior LDP officials—including Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama, Policy Research Council Chairman Itsunori Onodera, General Council Chairman Shunichi Suzuki, and Election Strategy Committee Chairman Seiji Kihara—collectively announced plans to step down.
The resignations were revealed after a joint meeting of LDP lawmakers from both chambers of the Diet convened at the party’s Tokyo headquarters.
Addressing the uncertainty surrounding his own leadership, Ishiba said that he is not the type of person who clings to position, but what he wants is to display a wholehearted dedication for the public good. He also said that he would uphold responsibility, face accountability openly, and make a sound decision at the right moment.
In contrast to Ishiba’s stance, at least four of his closest colleagues opted for immediate action, formalizing their resignations soon after the meeting. This marked a pivotal moment for the LDP, setting the stage for potential shifts in party leadership and strategy in the months ahead.
