Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba Press Conference After Announcing Resignation

Resignation Announcement and Rationale

• 💡 Prime Minister Ishiba announced his resignation as President of the Liberal Democratic Party and will not seek re-election in the upcoming leadership contest.
• 🎯 He stated the decision was made at the “right timing” following the signing of a US-Japan investment memorandum and the issuance of a US presidential order regarding tariff measures.
• 🔑 Ishiba emphasized that he had always intended to make a decision at the appropriate moment after fulfilling his duties, and the conclusion of the tariff negotiations provided that milestone.

Key Policy Achievements

• ✅ His administration, despite being a minority government, successfully passed 67 bills and 13 treaties, including legislation on active cyber defense.
• 📈 Significant economic measures included a supplementary budget for low-income households, an increase in the national average minimum wage to ¥1,121 (up 6.3%), and a positive real wage growth for seven consecutive months.
• 🛠️ In disaster preparedness, the budget for the Cabinet Office for Disaster Management was doubled, and a new Disaster Management Agency is set to be established next year.
• 🌱 Agricultural policy saw a shift towards increased rice production from 2025, aiming for stable supply and secure farmer incomes.

Diplomatic Engagements

• 🤝 Ishiba conducted over 150 summit meetings with 89 countries and organizations since taking office, strengthening the US-Japan alliance and building trust with nations across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• 🇺🇸 He highlighted the establishment of a strong relationship with the Trump administration, which was crucial for the US-Japan tariff agreement.
• 🌍 The Prime Minister expressed a strong belief that Japan is essential to the world, emphasizing the need to deepen understanding and solidarity with Asian and African countries.

Unfinished Agendas and Regrets

• ⚠️ Ishiba expressed regret over the unfinished state of local revitalization efforts, noting that despite initiatives like Local Revitalization 2.0, more bold measures are needed to address Tokyo's over-concentration.
• 💰 He acknowledged that while wage increases are progressing, further acceleration is required to ensure wage growth consistently surpasses inflation and is felt by all citizens.
• ⚖️ Political reform, particularly addressing issues of money in politics and public distrust, remains his biggest regret, despite the passage of the Political Reform Act.
• 💔 He also conveyed deep regret for the unresolved abduction issue with North Korea, which he views as a critical human rights and national sovereignty matter.

Message to the Liberal Democratic Party

• 🗣️ Ishiba urged the LDP to avoid decisive internal division and to unite to overcome current challenges, emphasizing that the party must not remain