Japan PM Ishiba Clings to Power After Upper House Majority Loss

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office despite his ruling coalition's significant losses in the recent upper house elections, which left them three seats short of a majority. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito secured only 47 of the 125 contested seats, with voters expressing frustration over inflation and turning to other parties like the far-right Sanseito, which gained 14 seats with an anti-globalist platform. Ishiba emphasized the urgency of ongoing critical tariff negotiations with the United States, with a looming August 1 deadline that could impose punitive tariffs on Japan's largest export market. Despite internal calls for leadership change following the coalition's worst election results in 15 years, Ishiba insisted on fulfilling his responsibilities to prevent political stagnation and to protect Japan's national interests. The LDP faces challenges in passing legislation now that it requires opposition support in both chambers, and party members view a leadership contest as a risky move that could further destabilize negotiations with President Donald Trump's administration. The election results reflect a volatile political climate in Japan amid economic pressures and rising populist sentiments.