Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru: None of the facts as reported are true.

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru strongly denied that he would be stepping down from office on July 23.

Newspaper Seller: Here’s the special issue on Prime Minister Ishiba's resignation!

It’s being reported that he is stepping down.

About 2 hours before he made that statement...

At the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan headquarters...

NTV Reporter: Prime Minister Ishiba has just entered the building.

At the same time, former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide also arrived, followed by former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and former Prime Minister Aso Taro.

Following the heavy defeat in the Upper House elections on July 20, the current and former prime ministers met in person.

The unusual “top-level meeting” lasted for about 90 minutes.

After the meeting, the expressions on the faces of the 3 former leaders were amicable.

Ishiba, who came out a few minutes later, also smiled at the press.

It was wondered if the 4 had also discussed the issue of Ishiba stepping down.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru: A strong sense of urgency was shared by all. There was no discussion whatsoever about my stepping down from office. There have been some reports to that effect, but I have never made such a statement. We will do our utmost to ensure that people's livelihoods are properly protected.

Ishiba once again indicated his intention to continue on as Prime Minister.

Namiki Moka, NTV Reporter: Prime Minister Ishiba has just come out.

Once again, he smiled and left the party headquarters.

However, within the party, the movement to remove Ishiba is gaining momentum.