Japanese people are divided over Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's future as he vowed to stay in office on Wednesday despite an election defeat and media reports of his imminent resignation.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with senior figures from his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Ishiba said they did not discuss his resignation at all, adding "the reports are unfounded".
Ishiba is facing a critical political juncture as discontent within the LDP threatens to derail his leadership following the party's internal review of its devastating loss in the recent House of Councilors election.
Some people think Ishiba should retain his post because he has done a lot of things as the prime minister, but others don't agree, saying that he did nothing.
"I don't think he should step down. He did a lot of things in his term. I don't think he should resign. I hope the government would mull on its policy about the younger generation as Japan's future is on their shoulders," said a resident.
"I think he should quit. I don't like him. There are many things for Japan to deal with, but what did Ishiba do? Nothing! Looking at the result of this House of Councilors election, I don't think he should remain in office," said another resident.
"I hope he could resign, and hope a prime minister who emphasizes diplomacy and excels in developing relations with other countries will take office. I didn't see his achievements at all. I don't know what he did. I hope our prime minister could let us see what he has done explicitly, but he failed to do that. So, if it is the general trend, I think he should quit office," said a local.
"I think he should quit. What he did is quite different from what he said. I hope the policy could place more emphasis on people's life. For example, the insurance fees are too high now, and our life is getting harder and harder. I hope for more focus on these aspects," said another local.
Japanese people divided over embattled PM's future
Japanese people divided over embattled PM's future
Japanese people divided over embattled PM's future
