Japan’s Akazawa Says Would Support Ishiba in Another LDP Race

In an interview, Japan's chief trade negotiator Hiroshi Akazawa stated that he would support Shigeru Ishiba if the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds an early leadership election. Akazawa, who is considered Ishiba's right-hand man, expressed his willingness to back Ishiba in another LDP race. The comments come amid speculation of a potential leadership challenge within the LDP, as the party grapples with declining public approval ratings. Ishiba, a former defense minister, has been a vocal critic of the current administration and has frequently challenged the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Akazawa's endorsement of Ishiba could signal a potential shift in the party's power dynamics, as the LDP seeks to navigate the political landscape ahead of the next general election. However, the article does not provide any further details on the likelihood or timing of an early LDP leadership race.