Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Receives Unexpected Backing From Opposition-Leaning X Users
TOKYO – A Nikkei analysis of posts on the X platform reveals surprising support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba among users identified as likely opposition supporters, as his party prepares to decide whether to hold a snap leadership election.
The unexpected backing stems from a fear that Ishiba’s replacement could usher in a more conservative leader, according to the analysis. While Ishiba’s ruling coalition recently suffered an electoral defeat, some opposition-minded commenters on X are expressing a preference for his continued leadership, viewing him as the lesser of two evils. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming leadership decision within Ishiba’s party, potentially influencing the selection process and the future direction of Japanese politics. The analysis was conducted as of September 6, 2025.
