Group 1 - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval rating has significantly increased, with a rise of over 10 percentage points in various polls, indicating public support for him to continue in office [1][2] - According to Kyodo News, Ishiba's approval rating rose by 12.5 percentage points to 35.4%, while Yomiuri Shimbun reported a 17 percentage point increase to 39% [1] - The decline in the percentage of respondents who believe Ishiba should resign has also been noted, dropping by 11.6 percentage points to 40% [1] Group 2 - The upcoming investigation into the "humiliating" election results from July, where the ruling coalition lost control of the House of Councillors, is critical for Ishiba's future [2] - The investigation results are expected to be announced in early September, which may clarify accountability within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) [2] Group 3 - There are internal calls for Ishiba to step down, but there is no established procedure to force a sitting prime minister to resign [3] - The LDP is considering whether to hold an early party leader election instead of waiting for Ishiba to resign or for his term to end in 2027 [3] Group 4 - Ishiba's rising popularity and his determination to remain in office may weaken the momentum for leadership change within the LDP [4] - Historically, previous losses of majority seats in the House of Councillors led to the resignation of sitting prime ministers, but the current situation may deter opponents from pushing for a leadership contest [4] - Ishiba emphasizes the importance of avoiding a political vacuum due to ongoing regional security challenges and has committed to deepening cooperation with South Korea and the United States on various issues [4]