Backed into a corner | This Week in Japanese Politics

The Ishiba government finds itself on the defensive on multiple fronts, with a cabinet minister's inopportune remarks creating a new headache for the PM

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The rundown

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and senior Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leaders sparred with opposition lawmakers over consumption taxes and government finances, while Ishiba’s agriculture minister faces criticism for insensitive remarks about rice. Meanwhile, Constitutional Democratic Party leader Noda Yoshihiko alluded to a possible no-confidence motion as the Diet prepares to debate pension reform. Finally, the Ishiba government is preparing for a third round of talks with the United States, as trade negotiator Akazawa Ryōsei is expected to visit the US for talks later this week. Plus: updates on the outlook for the upper house elections. All this and more in a new This Week in Japanese Politics.