- ARAB NEWS
- 26 Jul 2025
Since 1975
TOKYO: A powerful demonstration occurred on Friday evening in front of Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru’s official office building in Tokyo, showcasing unwavering support for his leadership.
Over 200 dedicated supporters rallied to firmly encourage him to remain in his post and stand strong against calls for resignation in the wake of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s losses in the House of Councilors’ election on July 20.
The demonstration held on Friday was a powerful display of public determination, strategically aimed at inspiring Shiba to remain engaged and actively contend for leadership.
“Ishiba is aware of our support and sent us a message of appreciation, urging everyone to be cautious of the heat,” one of the demonstration leaders told the crowd as the temperature in central Tokyo reached nearly 35 °C on Friday.
Intense pressure is being exerted on Prime Minister Ishiba from various fronts, including a relentless media campaign, vocal opposition parties, and growing dissent within his political party, all demanding his resignation.
Amidst this turmoil, demonstrators have taken to the streets, asserting that Ishiba is being unjustly held responsible for the LDP’s tarnished reputation — a reputation significantly impacted by a series of scandals in recent years, including corruption allegations and mismanagement. Demonstrators argue that it is unfair to single out Ishiba for the problems caused by the party’s negative legacy.
“Ishiba is the most sensible LDP Prime Minister in recent times. He possesses a strong sense of ethics and exhibits a well-balanced demeanor. I hope he continues to do his best until the end,” a company employee who participated in the demonstration told Arab News Japan.
A banner held by a demonstrator read, “Ishiba, don’t let the fascists take over Japan.” This reference refers to the right-wing tendencies of some members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as well as the new political parties that gained a significant number of seats in the recent general election.
The demonstrator holding the banner told Arab News Japan that he and his fellow participants were concerned that if Ishiba were to resign, one of his far-right colleagues in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) could take over.
“The hardliner, TAKAICHI Sanae, could become prime minister and steer Japan toward a more extreme path.”
He explained that there is a tendency among politicians like her, along with other right-leaning figures, to gradually reclaim national sovereignty and wealth from citizens, pushing Japan toward a pre-war mentality. “I believe we are already at that first point. That’s why I truly do not want Mr. Ishiba to resign,” he said.
A local message declared, “Don’t give up, Ishiba. You are the pride of Tottori,” referring to the Prime Minister’s home prefecture.
Demonstrators, while holding the posters of Ishiba, filled the sidewalk near the Prime Minister’s office, forming a united front that stretched toward other government buildings in the area, facing the National Parliament. They held up banners that read, “Don’t quit! Don’t lose to the far right and populism!”
They chanted together, their voices resonating throughout the area: “Ishiba: Fight them” and “Hold firm and be strong.” These chants, echoing the demonstrators’ unwavering support and encouragement for Ishiba, added a powerful emotional element to the demonstration. One demonstrator described Ishiba as the “defender of democracy,” a sentiment that was shared by many in the crowd.
One individual, however, expressed his frustration and protested the demonstration from across the street. “Ishiba did not take responsibility for the election loss. The Liberal Democratic Party has proven that they cannot be trusted, so I don’t understand why the demonstrators want Ishiba to stay in power,” he told Arab News Japan. His dissenting voice added a layer of complexity to the demonstration, highlighting the diversity of opinions in Japan’s political landscape.
