Ishiba's Fate Contested, Trade Deal Unfolds

The day in Japan began with media focus on the newly agreed US-Japan trade deal, detailing reciprocal 15% tariffs and market openings for rice and cars. While initial reports brought relief to the auto industry, specific aspects drew social media criticism. Later, the narrative shifted decisively to Prime Minister Ishiba's political future, initially reporting his impending resignation by late August following the Upper House election defeat and ongoing LDP pressure. However, Ishiba subsequently denied these reports, expressing a desire to remain in office, a move met with continued internal party dissent, including calls for his removal from the LDP youth bureau. By late afternoon, discussion broadened to potential "post-Ishiba" successors as an August decision looms, while further details of the trade agreement emerged, including Japan's commitment to significant purchases of US goods.