Japan PM Refuses to Resign, After Major Election Setback

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba Vows to Stay After Upper House Election Blow Amid Economic Anger

Japan’s ruling coalition has suffered a major setback, losing its majority in the crucial Upper House elections, but Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba remains defiant, declaring he has no intention of stepping down.

Sunday’s high-stakes vote came amid growing public frustration over soaring inflation, economic uncertainty, and rising tensions with the U.S. over potential tariff threats. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior ally Kimetto faced a voter backlash over cost-of-living concerns and lack of progress in trade negotiations.

Speaking after the polls closed, Ishiba acknowledged the “harsh verdict” from voters, stating he “solemnly accepts the result” but emphasized that his priority remains steering Japan through complex international trade talks.

This latest defeat follows the coalition’s earlier loss of control in the more powerful Lower House last year, further eroding its political leverage and casting doubt on its ability to push key policies forward.

The election outcome marks a political blow to the Ishiba administration, raising questions about the coalition’s future direction and its hold on power.

Japan’s Ruling Coalition Suffers Major Blow as Ultra-Nationalist Surge Reshapes Political Landscape

In a dramatic turn in Japan’s political scene, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito have lost their majority in the Upper House, securing only 47 seats, falling short of the 50 needed to maintain control of the 248-seat chamber.

The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), Japan’s main opposition, secured 22 seats, as voters delivered a strong rebuke to the establishment amid rising dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, inflation, and growing geopolitical tensions—particularly with China.

Sunday’s election, which saw half of the Upper House seats contested for six-year terms, was marked by a surge in far-right sentiment, according to political analysts.

Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer in Japanese Studies at Kanda University, told BBC News that growing support for hardline nationalist parties has fragmented the conservative voter base that once backed the LDP.

“Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is viewed as too centrist by many of [former PM] Shinzo Abe’s supporters,” Hall said. “They believe he lacks the strong nationalist views on history and doesn’t match Abe’s firm stance on China.”

Shinzo Abe, a dominant figure in Japanese politics and the country’s longest-serving prime minister, was known for his hawkish foreign policy, revisionist history views, and pro-military stance during his terms (2006–2007 and 2012–2020).

Analysts say much of the disillusioned conservative vote shifted to the rising Sanseito Party, a fringe ultra-nationalist group gaining momentum with its controversial rhetoric, including anti-immigrant policies, conspiracy theories, and historical revisionism.

“Sanseito is now voicing ideas in the Upper House that have rarely been aired in Japan’s mainstream politics,” Hall noted.

The shift marks a potential ideological transformation in Japanese governance, with traditional parties losing ground to right-wing populism. As the LDP grapples with internal rifts and a weakened mandate, Prime Minister Ishida’s leadership faces mounting pressure, with the party’s future direction hanging in the balance.

Japan’s PM Ishiba Faces Pressure to Resign After Election Defeat and Economic Woes

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing mounting calls to resign after his centre-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in the Upper House elections—a major political setback amid growing public anger over inflation, rising rice prices, and US-Japan trade tensions.

The LDP, in power almost continuously since 1955, has been rocked by political scandals and a lack of voter confidence in Ishiba’s leadership. Analysts warn history may repeat: the past three LDP leaders who lost Upper House majorities resigned within two months.

Speculation is now swirling around possible successors, including Sanae Takaichi, Takayuki Kobayashi, and Shinjiro Koizumi—all eyeing a leadership challenge that could trigger fresh political turmoil during critical trade negotiations with Washington.

Despite the loss, markets remained stable, with the yen strengthening globally, suggesting investors had priced in the election outcome.