Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed his intention to remain in office after the U.S. finalized a trade deal lowering auto tariffs, rejecting speculation that the agreement might prompt his resignation. “There’s really no connection,” Ishiba told reporters in Tokyo Friday, following President Trump’s signing of an executive order imposing a maximum 25% tariff on most Japanese imports, including vehicles and auto parts. The order capped weeks of negotiations, with Japan pushing for the deal’s execution since July. Ishiba had previously cited the trade deal’s implementation as a reason to stay on, fueling rumors that its finalization could signal his exit. He now faces a critical ruling party vote on Monday to determine whether to advance a leadership contest, amid mounting pressure from LDP lawmakers calling for his resignation after the party lost its coalition majority in both houses of parliament.