Japanese PM Ishiba's Political Future in Jeopardy

Shigeru Ishiba, a policy enthusiast and former defense minister, may see his aspirations of becoming Japan's prime minister fade away as his coalition faces potential defeat in the upcoming upper house elections on Sunday.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has been in power for decades, might struggle to find a replacement for Ishiba if he steps down.

Despite his promises to revitalize rural areas and address Japan's population decline, Ishiba's leadership has faced challenges, including a decline in popularity and policy inconsistencies.

His unconventional behavior, such as his table manners and social media blunders, has also drawn criticism from the public.

Dealing with US President Donald Trump's trade policies has been another hurdle for Ishiba, with no trade agreement reached yet.

His predecessor, Shinzo Abe, who had a close relationship with Trump, managed to navigate the trade issues more effectively.

It remains to be seen how Ishiba's government will handle the upcoming elections and the ongoing trade negotiations with the US.

According to the source: CNA.