Far from being a lifeline for the embattled Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the surprise US-Japan trade deal could instead hasten his departure. According to Research Director Sota Kato, the US likely rushed to seal the agreement before the Ishiba administration—weakened by a major election defeat—could collapse. He suggests the deal's conclusion is not a sign of Ishiba's strength, but rather a symbol of his declining political influence.

"Japan PM Ishiba refutes reports of imminent resignation after surprise US trade deal," The Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-pm-ishiba-refutes-reports-of-imminent-resignation-after-surprise-us-trade-deal

Profile of Research Director Sota Kato
https://www.tkfd.or.jp/en/experts/detail.php?id=29