Ishiba's Foundation Crumbles

The day's editorial priorities centered significantly on the intensifying political pressure on Prime Minister Ishiba, following his decision to remain in post after the Upper House election defeat. Reports highlighted growing frustration within the LDP, with calls for an "Ishiba oust" gaining momentum through signature campaigns and polls indicating a majority believed he should step down. By late afternoon, surveys revealed a sharp decline in his cabinet's approval rating to 22%, further escalating the crisis. Additionally, a notable shift in energy policy gained traction, as Kansai Electric Power announced the initiation of geological surveys for a new nuclear power plant at Mihama, marking Japan's first concrete step toward new nuclear construction since 2011. Separately, domestic attention also turned to emerging concerns over extreme weather, with forecasts predicting potentially historical high temperatures.