Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s joint plenary meeting for both Upper and Lower house members in Tokyo’s Nagatacho district on Aug. 8. (Nobuo Fujiwara)

Despite having two years left as party president, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba came under fire from several Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers who want him removed from office, demanding on Aug. 8 that the presidential election be moved up. 

However, Ishiba once again stated that he's not going anywhere at the beginning of the LDP's joint plenary meeting for Upper and Lower house members at the party headquarters in Tokyo's Nagatacho district. 

The agenda was to review the July 20 Upper House election results and discuss the future party management.

“I will sincerely and humbly listen to everyone’s voices,” Ishiba said, after announcing his plans to remain in his post.

Debate between his supporters and opponents continued, and the meeting lasted about two hours.

According to an attendee, the party’s presidential election management committee will begin discussions on whether to move up the election.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ishiba also touched on major issues such as agreements in the Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations, agricultural policy and disaster prevention, and said, “I will continue to take responsibility for this country.”

Regarding the July 20 Upper House election in which the LDP and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, suffered a major defeat and lost its majority, Ishiba said, “I deeply apologize for causing such an outcome."

Following Ishiba, LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama asked the attendees to express their opinions on the election results and the future of the party.

Moriyama himself has been leading the party’s review of the election.

He said a report will be compiled by the end of August and an analysis will be released.

“It is important that the entire party work together with a sense of tradition and responsibility,” Moriyama said.

The remainder of the meeting was held behind closed doors.

After the meeting, Ishiba reiterated his intention to continue in his position to reporters.

Regarding the demand to move forward the presidential election, he said, “It all comes down to operating in accordance with party rules.”

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