1. Ishiba Shigeru became Japan's Prime Minister in October 2018, pledging to address rising living costs and revitalize regional economies.
2. In his first term, Ishiba faced difficulties when his ruling coalition lost the Lower House majority for the first time in 15 years. Despite this, he formed a second Cabinet and attempted to work with the opposition.
3. Throughout his tenure, Ishiba experienced tension within the Diet, particularly over fiscal policies and foreign relations. Notably, Japan and the U.S. reached an agreement on trade and tariffs in July 2025, with Ishiba expressing confidence that it would protect Japan's interests. However, election setbacks led to increased criticism of Ishiba within the LDP, prompting party executives, including the secretary-general, to resign in early September 2025.