Agriculture Minister Koizumi speaking at a post-cabinet meeting press conference, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

While public opinion surveys by various media outlets show the approval rating of the Ishiba Cabinet making a V-shaped recovery, voices calling for Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro (House of Representatives, Kanagawa 11th district) to be the next prime minister are growing. As a member of the cabinet supporting the prime minister, he is likely to face difficult decisions and steering in the autumn political situation.

“As a member of the Ishiba Cabinet, and at a time when such a major policy shift (toward increased rice production) is being implemented, I want to thoroughly fulfill my duties.”

At a press conference following the cabinet meeting, Agriculture Minister Koizumi stated this and avoided making a clear statement regarding responsibility for the Liberal Democratic Party’s major defeat in the House of Councillors election. Regarding the pros and cons of moving up the party leadership election, which has surfaced within the party, he only said, “It is an extremely weighty political matter. Ultimately, how Prime Minister Ishiba, as the party leader, receives this and makes a decision will be important.”

Mr. Koizumi stated, “The various voices within the party mean that we must sincerely accept this election result and make a responsible judgment as the Liberal Democratic Party. I think these voices are correct.” At the same time, based on the results of public opinion surveys, he expressed his recognition that “what the public wants is for the immediate policy issues to be moved forward.”

Competing for the position of ‘post-Ishiba’ in public opinion surveys

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is a key government ministry in Japan responsible for policies related to food security, agriculture, rural development, forestry, and fisheries. It was established in its modern form in 1978, consolidating various agricultural and food-related administrative functions. The ministry’s history is rooted in Japan’s long-standing efforts to manage its natural resources and ensure a stable food supply for its population.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established in 1789 by the Constitution. Its members are directly elected by the public to represent districts based on population, and it holds the primary power to initiate revenue bills and impeach federal officials.

Kanagawa 11th district

The Kanagawa 11th district is an electoral constituency for Japan’s House of Representatives, established in 1994 after a political reform that introduced single-seat districts. It is located in the southern part of Kanagawa Prefecture and encompasses the city of Miura.

Ishiba Cabinet

I am unable to identify a specific place or cultural site named “Ishiba Cabinet.” This term may refer to a specific piece of furniture or a local business rather than a recognized historical or cultural landmark. Could you please provide more context or check the spelling?

House of Councillors

The House of Councillors is the upper house of Japan’s National Diet (parliament), established by the post-World War II Constitution of Japan in 1947. It replaced the pre-war House of Peers and serves as a deliberative body that reviews legislation passed by the more powerful lower house, the House of Representatives. Its members are directly elected by the public and serve six-year terms.

Liberal Democratic Party

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is a major conservative political party in Japan, founded in 1955 through the merger of several smaller parties. It has been the dominant ruling party for most of Japan’s post-war history, shaping the country’s modern economic and political landscape.