Noda versus Ishiba | This Week in Japanese Politics

The Diet debates Ishiba's handling of talks with Trump, while the Ishiba government refines its approach and prepares for the next round

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The rundown

The Ishiba government works on its negotiating position in talks with the United States, while Finance Minister Katō Katsunobu is in Washington, on a trip that will include a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. At home, however, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has faced extensive questioning about his government’s handling of negotiations in the Diet — which Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) leader Noda Yoshihiko suggested could influence whether his party backs a no-confidence motion. Meanwhile, Ishiba, over the objections of opposition parties, announced a new measure to combat the rising cost of living. Finally, Ishiba confirmed that he will travel to Southeast Asia during Golden Week. Plus: Japanese companies want Takaichi? All of this and more in a new This Week in Japanese Politics.