The iconic Tokyo Skytree was lit up in the colours of the Indian national flag during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 29). It is the tallest tower of Japan and showing Indian flag colours on it marks the importance of the relations between both countries. Modi is in Tokyo for a two-day visit to attend the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit. He was welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The visuals of the tower were shared by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X. &nbsp;&nbsp;"Tokyo Sky Tree lit up in Indian flag colours in honour of PM @narendramodi's visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. It is the tallest tower in Japan."<h2>Watch the video below -&nbsp;</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tokyo Sky Tree lit up in Indian flag colours in honour of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s visit to Japan for the 15th 🇮🇳-🇯🇵 Annual Summit. It is the tallest tower in Japan. <a href="https://t.co/vfTOAYiiKg">pic.twitter.com/vfTOAYiiKg</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1961391722967306255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders held a joint press briefing following the meeting.<h2>Some of the major areas of cooperation between both India and Japan are -</h2>Defence: India and Japan will work together to develop the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) for the Indian Navy.&nbsp;Space: ISRO and Japan’s JAXA are collaborating together on the LUPEX mission, which will explore the moon’s south pole.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments: Japan has set a goal of investing 10 Trillion Yen in India in the next 10 years.&nbsp;Sharing the experience of the wonderful meeting with Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga and a group of members of Parliament from Japan, PM Modi wrote on his X, "We discussed the strong and friendly relations between India and Japan, with a special focus on parliamentary exchanges, human resource development, cultural ties and cooperation across key sectors including the economy, health, mobility partnership, AI, science, and technology.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-receives-daruma-doll-during-japan-visit-know-its-significance-and-cultural-essence-1756467615475"> WATCH | PM Modi receives Daruma doll during Japan visit – Know its significance and cultural essence</a>&nbsp;Beyond politics and trade, PM Modi’s visit also signifies the cultural ties between both the countries. PM Modi also met the Indian community in Japan, underlining the important role of the diaspora (movement of people away from their own country) in building closer ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;India and Japan had upgraded their ties to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership a decade ago and this visit is expected to further strengthen that bond between both countries.

The focus of the visit will be on shaping the next phase of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has seen steady growth over the past 11 years. 

The iconic Tokyo Skytree was lit up in the colours of the Indian national flag during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 29). It is the tallest tower of Japan and showing Indian flag colours on it marks the importance of the relations between both countries. Modi is in Tokyo for a two-day visit to attend the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit. He was welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The visuals of the tower were shared by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X. "Tokyo Sky Tree lit up in Indian flag colours in honour of PM @narendramodi's visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. It is the tallest tower in Japan." Watch the video below -

The focus of the visit will be on shaping the next phase of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has seen steady growth over the past 11 years.&nbsp;

Tokyo’s tallest tower Skytree lights up in tri-colour to welcome the visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi - WATCH

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to continue negotiations with the United States to secure a mutually beneficial trade agreement, after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Japanese goods starting 1 August.<h2>Trump’s tariff threat escalates trade tensions</h2>President Trump on Monday formally announced the new 25 per cent tariff on imports from Japan, sharing letters addressed to Prime Minister Ishiba and other leaders on his social media platform. As per Reuters, the letters informed major trade partners, from suppliers like Japan and South Korea to smaller players, of steep new US tariffs.&nbsp;While the tariffs are set to begin on 1 August, Trump suggested he was willing to consider delaying implementation if countries submitted acceptable proposals. According to Reuters, Trump told reporters the deadline was “firm, but not 100% firm,” leaving open the possibility of a negotiated settlement.<h2>Japan seeks balanced deal while avoiding higher tariffs</h2>Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged that talks so far had helped Tokyo avoid even steeper tariff levels previously floated by Washington. As per Reuters, Trump had at one point signalled tariffs in the range of 30 to 35 per cent.&nbsp;Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Ishiba said: “We have received a proposal from the United States to swiftly proceed with negotiations towards the newly set August 1 deadline, and that depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised.”Ishiba added that Japan would “actively seek the chance of an agreement that benefits both countries, while protecting Japan’s national interest.” He also directed cabinet ministers to prepare measures to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs on industries and jobs, as per Reuters.&nbsp;<h2>Trade talks complicated by automotive tariffs</h2>According to Reuters, Japan and the United States failed to reach a deal before the 9 July expiry of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs. Talks have been especially fraught over automobiles, which are central to Japan’s export-driven economy. Tokyo has prioritised eliminating the existing 25 per cent US tariff on cars, a demand Washington has resisted.&nbsp;Ishiba’s government is under pressure to avoid damaging concessions ahead of Japan’s upper house election on 20 July. As per Reuters, Ishiba has repeatedly insisted Japan will not make “easy concessions” just for the sake of a quick deal.<h2>Political risks for Ishiba’s government</h2>Analysts warn that the upcoming election complicates Tokyo’s negotiating position. Recent media polls cited by Reuters suggest Ishiba’s ruling coalition could struggle to maintain its majority in the upper chamber, potentially weakening the prime minister’s domestic standing and leverage in talks with Washington.<h2>Economic headwinds add urgency</h2>Japan’s economy faces wider challenges that make avoiding new tariffs all the more urgent. According to Bloomberg, the Japanese government this week delivered its bleakest assessment of the economy in nearly five years, citing weak consumption and manufacturing.&nbsp;Official data show Japan’s economy shrank in the first quarter, with real wages in May falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years. As per Reuters, the threat of US tariffs has also weighed on currency markets, driving the dollar to a two-week high of 146.24 yen and raising already rising import costs.<h2>Impact on exporters and wages</h2>Economists warn that even with the avoided worst-case scenario of 35 per cent tariffs, the planned 25 per cent duty would still be painful for Japan’s manufacturers. Kazuki Fujimoto, an analyst at Japan Research Institute, told Reuters: “While Japan likely averted the worst-case scenario, 25% tariffs would still hurt exporters’ profits by up to 25%.”&nbsp;Fujimoto added that weakening corporate profits could make it “hard to avoid companies from toning down on efforts to hike wages,” compounding risks to domestic demand.<h2>Hope for deal remains despite tough negotiations</h2>Despite the sharp rhetoric and the fast-approaching deadline, both sides continue to hold out hope for a deal. According to Reuters, Ishiba stressed Japan’s commitment to finding a “mutually beneficial” solution that preserves the country’s national interest while meeting US demands.&nbsp;As the 1 August deadline nears, the coming weeks will test Ishiba’s diplomatic skill and determine whether Japan can protect its vital industries without compromising its negotiating principles, while preserving a stable relationship with its most important security ally.

Facing 25% US tariffs and mounting political and economic pressure, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vows to pursue a balanced trade deal with Washington, as auto sector tensions and upcoming elections complicate talks.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to continue negotiations with the United States to secure a mutually beneficial trade agreement, after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Japanese goods starting 1 August. Trump’s tariff threat escalates trade tensions President Trump on Monday formally announced the new 25 per cent tariff on imports from Japan, sharing letters addressed to Prime Minister Ishiba and other leaders on his social media platform. As per Reuters, the letters informed major trade partners, from suppliers like Japan and South Korea to smaller players, of steep new US tariffs. While the tariffs are set to begin on 1 August, Trump suggested he was willing to consider delaying implementation if countries submitted acceptable proposals. According to Reuters, Trump told reporters the deadline was “firm, but not 100% firm,” leaving open the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Japan seeks balanced deal while avoiding higher tariffs Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged that talks so far had helped Tokyo avoid even steeper tariff levels previously floated by Washington. As per Reuters, Trump had at one point signalled tariffs in the range of 30 to 35 per cent. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Ishiba said: “We have received a proposal from the United States to swiftly proceed with negotiations towards the newly set August 1 deadline, and that depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised.” Ishiba added that Japan would “actively seek the chance of an agreement that benefits both countries, while protecting Japan’s national interest.” He also directed cabinet ministers to prepare measures to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs on industries and jobs, as per Reuters. Trade talks complicated by automotive tariffs According to Reuters, Japan and the United States failed to reach a deal before the 9 July expiry of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs. Talks have been especially fraught over automobiles, which are central to Japan’s export-driven economy. Tokyo has prioritised eliminating the existing 25 per cent US tariff on cars, a demand Washington has resisted. Ishiba’s government is under pressure to avoid damaging concessions ahead of Japan’s upper house election on 20 July. As per Reuters, Ishiba has repeatedly insisted Japan will not make “easy concessions” just for the sake of a quick deal. Political risks for Ishiba’s government Analysts warn that the upcoming election complicates Tokyo’s negotiating position. Recent media polls cited by Reuters suggest Ishiba’s ruling coalition could struggle to maintain its majority in the upper chamber, potentially weakening the prime minister’s domestic standing and leverage in talks with Washington. Economic headwinds add urgency Japan’s economy faces wider challenges that make avoiding new tariffs all the more urgent. According to Bloomberg, the Japanese government this week delivered its bleakest assessment of the economy in nearly five years, citing weak consumption and manufacturing. Official data show Japan’s economy shrank in the first quarter, with real wages in May falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years. As per Reuters, the threat of US tariffs has also weighed on currency markets, driving the dollar to a two-week high of 146.24 yen and raising already rising import costs. Impact on exporters and wages Economists warn that even with the avoided worst-case scenario of 35 per cent tariffs, the planned 25 per cent duty would still be painful for Japan’s manufacturers. Kazuki Fujimoto, an analyst at Japan Research Institute, told Reuters: “While Japan likely averted the worst-case scenario, 25% tariffs would still hurt exporters’ profits by up to 25%.” Fujimoto added that weakening corporate profits could make it “hard to avoid companies from toning down on efforts to hike wages,” compounding risks to domestic demand. Hope for deal remains despite tough negotiations Despite the sharp rhetoric and the fast-approaching deadline, both sides continue to hold out hope for a deal. According to Reuters, Ishiba stressed Japan’s commitment to finding a “mutually beneficial” solution that preserves the country’s national interest while meeting US demands. As the 1 August deadline nears, the coming weeks will test Ishiba’s diplomatic skill and determine whether Japan can protect its vital industries without compromising its negotiating principles, while preserving a stable relationship with its most important security ally.

Japan is pushing to secure a trade deal with the US before Trump’s 1 August tariff deadline, aiming to shield its key industries while avoiding damaging concessions.

Japan vows to pursue US trade deal as Trump’s tariff deadline looms

As global leaders gather for the G7 summit in Canada, one bilateral meeting is drawing outsized attention between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.&nbsp;At stake is a potential trade deal that could reshape economic ties between the world’s largest and fourth-largest economies. But with pressure mounting on both sides, the road to an agreement remains fraught.<h2>A handshake, but no breakthrough</h2>On Monday, President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba met for 30 minutes on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Alberta, as per the Japanese government. Official images released showed the two leaders smiling, but Tokyo offered no details on the content of their talks.&nbsp;The lack of a public outcome underscores the high stakes and political caution surrounding Japan’s efforts to secure a reprieve from steep US tariffs, especially on automobiles.&nbsp;According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance, the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by Washington in April 2025 now affect nearly $40 billion worth of Japanese car exports to the US—nearly a fifth of Japan’s total exports to America.<h2>No ‘quick fix’, says Ishiba</h2>Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Ishiba had set the tone for Japan’s position. Speaking in Tokyo on June 12, he declared that Japan would not be rushed into a “quick fix” trade deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;“If there’s progress before I meet the president, that’s in and of itself good,” he said, as quoted by Bloomberg. “But what’s important is to achieve an agreement that’s beneficial to both Japan and the US. We won’t compromise Japan’s interests by prioritising a quick deal.”&nbsp;The remarks reflect Tokyo’s deep concern over the potential economic fallout from the tariffs. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has warned that the levies could push the nation into a technical recession, particularly as industrial output and consumer spending remain subdued following a sluggish first quarter in 2025.<h2>Rising stakes for Ishiba at home</h2>For Prime Minister Ishiba, the stakes are not just economic—but political. He faces a crucial general election next month, and returning from the G7 without a trade resolution could fuel criticism from opposition parties and industry leaders alike.&nbsp;On June 12, Ishiba met with opposition chiefs in Tokyo, describing the trade standoff as a “national crisis” that required bipartisan unity, as reported by Bloomberg. His government is also dispatching top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa to North America this week in a last-ditch effort to seek exemptions or adjustments to the tariffs.&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, many G7 leaders are seeking last-minute deals with Trump to prevent additional tariffs scheduled to take effect in July, a tactic widely seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to extract concessions ahead of his re-election bid.<h2>Tariffs rooted in Trump’s ‘national security’ clause</h2>The current standoff was triggered by Trump’s April executive order, which cited national security concerns to justify sweeping tariffs on automotive imports, particularly from Japan.&nbsp;The move revived fears of a trade war reminiscent of earlier US–China clashes. In 2024 alone, Japanese exports to the US totalled over $135 billion, making America Japan’s second-largest trading partner after China, according to Japan’s Ministry of Finance.&nbsp;“The auto sector is Japan’s backbone,” noted Noriko Hama, professor of economics at Doshisha University, speaking to Nikkei Asia. “A prolonged tariff regime could ripple through employment, production, and consumption. Japan cannot afford to be seen as conceding too much—but nor can it afford a breakdown in US relations.”<h2>G7 backdrop: Global trade on edge</h2>The G7 summit itself has become a crucible for global trade tensions, with EU and Canadian leaders also pressing Trump to roll back tariffs. The Charlevoix summit is officially focused on economic cooperation and supply chain resilience, but trade friction has dominated the closed-door talks.&nbsp;While no formal US–Japan bilateral was announced, both sides signalled openness to further engagement. “We are not going to negotiate under pressure or media spectacle,” a senior Japanese trade official said, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity. “We seek a rules-based outcome with mutual respect.”&nbsp;Trump, meanwhile, has remained characteristically bullish. Speaking at the summit, he reiterated his commitment to “fairer deals” and called on partners to “open their markets more fully to American goods,” as quoted by Reuters.<h2>Outlook: Calm, but cautiously tense</h2>Despite the smiles at the G7 photo-op, there is little clarity on when or whether a trade deal will emerge. Analysts suggest that Japan may seek to delay any final agreement until after the July tariff deadline, banking on continued diplomatic engagement or a softening of the US stance.&nbsp;However, the clock is ticking. With domestic industry leaders growing anxious and opposition parties sharpening their attacks, the Ishiba government faces a narrowing window to show results.&nbsp;As the G7 wraps up, one thing is clear that the US–Japan trade ties are entering a volatile new phase, one where economics, diplomacy, and political survival are tightly intertwined. &nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)&nbsp;

The two leaders met for 30 minutes without achieving a breakthrough, highlighting the complexities of Japan effort to avoid steep US tariffs, especially on automobiles. 

As global leaders gather for the G7 summit in Canada, one bilateral meeting is drawing outsized attention between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. At stake is a potential trade deal that could reshape economic ties between the world’s largest and fourth-largest economies. But with pressure mounting on both sides, the road to an agreement remains fraught. A handshake, but no breakthrough On Monday, President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba met for 30 minutes on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Alberta, as per the Japanese government. Official images released showed the two leaders smiling, but Tokyo offered no details on the content of their talks. The lack of a public outcome underscores the high stakes and political caution surrounding Japan’s efforts to secure a reprieve from steep US tariffs, especially on automobiles. According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance, the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by Washington in April 2025 now affect nearly $40 billion worth of Japanese car exports to the US—nearly a fifth of Japan’s total exports to America. No ‘quick fix’, says Ishiba Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Ishiba had set the tone for Japan’s position. Speaking in Tokyo on June 12, he declared that Japan would not be rushed into a “quick fix” trade deal. “If there’s progress before I meet the president, that’s in and of itself good,” he said, as quoted by Bloomberg. “But what’s important is to achieve an agreement that’s beneficial to both Japan and the US. We won’t compromise Japan’s interests by prioritising a quick deal.” The remarks reflect Tokyo’s deep concern over the potential economic fallout from the tariffs. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has warned that the levies could push the nation into a technical recession, particularly as industrial output and consumer spending remain subdued following a sluggish first quarter in 2025. Rising stakes for Ishiba at home For Prime Minister Ishiba, the stakes are not just economic—but political. He faces a crucial general election next month, and returning from the G7 without a trade resolution could fuel criticism from opposition parties and industry leaders alike. On June 12, Ishiba met with opposition chiefs in Tokyo, describing the trade standoff as a “national crisis” that required bipartisan unity, as reported by Bloomberg. His government is also dispatching top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa to North America this week in a last-ditch effort to seek exemptions or adjustments to the tariffs. According to Bloomberg, many G7 leaders are seeking last-minute deals with Trump to prevent additional tariffs scheduled to take effect in July, a tactic widely seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to extract concessions ahead of his re-election bid. Tariffs rooted in Trump’s ‘national security’ clause The current standoff was triggered by Trump’s April executive order, which cited national security concerns to justify sweeping tariffs on automotive imports, particularly from Japan. The move revived fears of a trade war reminiscent of earlier US–China clashes. In 2024 alone, Japanese exports to the US totalled over $135 billion, making America Japan’s second-largest trading partner after China, according to Japan’s Ministry of Finance. “The auto sector is Japan’s backbone,” noted Noriko Hama, professor of economics at Doshisha University, speaking to Nikkei Asia. “A prolonged tariff regime could ripple through employment, production, and consumption. Japan cannot afford to be seen as conceding too much—but nor can it afford a breakdown in US relations.” G7 backdrop: Global trade on edge The G7 summit itself has become a crucible for global trade tensions, with EU and Canadian leaders also pressing Trump to roll back tariffs. The Charlevoix summit is officially focused on economic cooperation and supply chain resilience, but trade friction has dominated the closed-door talks. While no formal US–Japan bilateral was announced, both sides signalled openness to further engagement. “We are not going to negotiate under pressure or media spectacle,” a senior Japanese trade official said, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity. “We seek a rules-based outcome with mutual respect.” Trump, meanwhile, has remained characteristically bullish. Speaking at the summit, he reiterated his commitment to “fairer deals” and called on partners to “open their markets more fully to American goods,” as quoted by Reuters. Outlook: Calm, but cautiously tense Despite the smiles at the G7 photo-op, there is little clarity on when or whether a trade deal will emerge. Analysts suggest that Japan may seek to delay any final agreement until after the July tariff deadline, banking on continued diplomatic engagement or a softening of the US stance. However, the clock is ticking. With domestic industry leaders growing anxious and opposition parties sharpening their attacks, the Ishiba government faces a narrowing window to show results. As the G7 wraps up, one thing is clear that the US–Japan trade ties are entering a volatile new phase, one where economics, diplomacy, and political survival are tightly intertwined. (With inputs from the agencies)

World leaders at the G7 summit in Canada are focusing on a critical bilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba regarding a potential trade deal impacting their economies.

Japan-US trade tensions escalate at G7: Ishiba holds line as Trump pushes tariff deal

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">What is Ishiba's public rating?</h2>

Ishiba's current public support, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) stands at just 28 per cent, according to a recent Jiji Press poll. This marks the lowest initial approval for a new Japanese leader since 2000. Even though this is slightly better than former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's 18.7 per cent before he exited the leadership race in September, it still fails to reach the critical 30 per cent threshold, which analysts consider a "danger zone" for political leaders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjsqsypt5yJAxX2yjgGHTyLEfAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crunch-of-successors-in-royal-family-called-out-in-japan-parliament-pm-asks-for-debate-764445" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/crunch-of-successors-in-royal-family-called-out-in-japan-parliament-pm-asks-for-debate-764445&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjsqsypt5yJAxX2yjgGHTyLEfAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Crunch of successors in royal family called out in Japan parliament, PM asks for debate</a>

Kishida started his term with over 40 per cent support, while his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, began with 51.2 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:285,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1971}">What does this mean for the Japanese PM?</h2>

Political analyst Stephen Nagy anticipates that the LDP could lose its absolute majority, but may remain in power with the help of its junior coalition partner, Komeito.

"I expect the LDP to lose its absolute majority but probably remain in power with Komeito, which will in return be able to promote some of its more family-friendly social policies," said Nagy, a politics professor at Tokyo's International Christian University as quoted by SCMP.

He said that a complete loss of power is also "possible", though unlikely, given the disarray among opposition parties, which have struggled to unite behind strong candidates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:504,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2182}" data-ved="2ahUKEwiVjqW7t5yJAxW64zgGHVsKEqYQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-is-giving-away-free-flight-tickets-but-there-is-a-catch-are-you-eligible-766805" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-is-giving-away-free-flight-tickets-but-there-is-a-catch-are-you-eligible-766805&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiVjqW7t5yJAxW64zgGHVsKEqYQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Japan is giving away free flight tickets, but there is a catch. Are you eligible?</a>

Ishiba was chosen as party leader due to his clean image amid several scandals that have plagued the LDP. However, he has struggled to distance himself from these issues.

Currently, the LDP holds 247 seats in the 465-member chamber, allowing for a comfortable majority without Komeito's 32 seats. However, retaining the necessary 233 seats to maintain that majority is increasingly doubtful given the low approval ratings.&nbsp;

A Yomiuri newspaper survey suggests that among 266 candidates in single-seat districts, only 100 appear secure, while about 120 races remain too close to call, and another 40 candidates face significant opposition.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). What is Ishiba's public rating? Ishiba's current public support, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) stands at just 28 per cent, according to a recent Jiji Press poll. This marks the lowest initial approval for a new Japanese leader since 2000. Even though this is slightly better than former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's 18.7 per cent before he exited the leadership race in September, it still fails to reach the critical 30 per cent threshold, which analysts consider a "danger zone" for political leaders. Also read | Crunch of successors in royal family called out in Japan parliament, PM asks for debate Kishida started his term with over 40 per cent support, while his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, began with 51.2 per cent. What does this mean for the Japanese PM? Political analyst Stephen Nagy anticipates that the LDP could lose its absolute majority, but may remain in power with the help of its junior coalition partner, Komeito. "I expect the LDP to lose its absolute majority but probably remain in power with Komeito, which will in return be able to promote some of its more family-friendly social policies," said Nagy, a politics professor at Tokyo's International Christian University as quoted by SCMP. He said that a complete loss of power is also "possible", though unlikely, given the disarray among opposition parties, which have struggled to unite behind strong candidates. Also read | Japan is giving away free flight tickets, but there is a catch. Are you eligible? Ishiba was chosen as party leader due to his clean image amid several scandals that have plagued the LDP. However, he has struggled to distance himself from these issues. Currently, the LDP holds 247 seats in the 465-member chamber, allowing for a comfortable majority without Komeito's 32 seats. However, retaining the necessary 233 seats to maintain that majority is increasingly doubtful given the low approval ratings. A Yomiuri newspaper survey suggests that among 266 candidates in single-seat districts, only 100 appear secure, while about 120 races remain too close to call, and another 40 candidates face significant opposition. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's new PM Ishiba struggles with historically low approval ratings as election nears