Japanese Prime Minister Resigns Over Election Losses 

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned Sunday, less than a year after taking office, bowing to pressure after two election defeats that cost his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner their majorities in both houses of parliament, the Guardian reported. 

In his announcement, Ishiba said he made the “painful decision” to step down to avoid a “decisive division” within the LDP, which had been preparing to force an early leadership contest next week. 

He cited the conclusion of negotiations with the United States on tariffs – including US President Donald Trump’s order lowering duties on Japanese cars from 27.5 percent to 15 percent – as the “appropriate moment” to resign. 

Ishiba became prime minister in October 2024, vowing to tackle inflation and reform the LDP, which had been beset by a series of fundraising scandals, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK. 

But later that same month, the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the lower house of parliament. The ruling coalition then suffered another stinging defeat after it lost its majority in the upper house this July. 

The election losses were a major blow for the LDP, which has governed Japan nearly uninterrupted since the 1950s, prompting internal calls for Ishiba’s removal. 

The resignation comes at a volatile time for the world’s fourth-largest economy, which is struggling with high prices, Trump’s tariffs, and growing voter support for populist rivals such as the Sanseitō party.  

A Kyodo poll published Sunday showed Ishiba’s cabinet approval had slipped to 32.7 percent, its lowest level since he took office. 

The move drew mixed reactions within the ruling bloc: Former Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said the decision was “the best” to preserve party unity, while Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito called the announcement “deeply regrettable.”  

Opposition leaders warned of a dangerous political vacuum, with Democratic Party for the People chief Yuichiro Tamaki urging the LDP to “swiftly bring this situation to a close” so the government can focus on dealing with rising prices. 

Attention now shifts to Ishiba’s successor, with an LDP leadership vote among lawmakers and rank-and-file members expected in early October.  

Possible contenders for the country’s top post include Sanae Takaichi, a conservative former economic security minister who ran against Ishiba last year, and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who has drawn attention for his efforts to curb soaring rice prices. 

Ishiba, who finally won the LDP presidency on his fifth attempt last year, will remain in office until a replacement is chosen.