* **Japan: PM Ishiba’s Resignation Raises Concerns Over Political Shifts**
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation and plans for an emergency leadership race following the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) losses in recent elections. This decision comes amidst rising living costs and the finalization of a trade deal with the United States, which had caused concern over economic uncertainty, leading to a sell-off in the yen and government bonds. Potential successors include Sanae Takaichi, who supports looser fiscal policy, and Shinjiro Koizumi. The next leader may call for a snap election, as the LDP doesn’t hold a majority, but a Kyodo news agency poll indicated that a majority of respondents did not want an early election.
John Q. Hosedrinker