Japan PM Ishiba Plans Resignation After Historic Upper House Loss

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to resign soon after his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito suffered historic losses in the upper house election, leaving them without a majority in both chambers of parliament. Ishiba has delayed his resignation decision to thoroughly review a newly struck U.S.-Japan trade deal, which reduces tariffs on Japanese goods and is seen as beneficial for Japan's economy. Despite mounting pressure from within his party and opposition due to the election defeat and growing political instability, Ishiba has not confirmed a resignation timeline but is widely reported to plan stepping down by the end of August. His resignation will trigger a leadership contest amid rising influence of populist and anti-globalist movements in Japan, which have gained traction amid voter dissatisfaction with inflation and stagnant wages. The next LDP leader will face the challenge of uniting the party and securing parliamentary support in a more fragmented political environment. Ishiba's tenure marks a difficult period for the LDP, which has governed almost continuously since 1955 but now confronts significant internal and external political challenges.