Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba Resigns Following Election Defeats

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation today, a decision prompted by significant election defeats that have left his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vulnerable. In a statement to public broadcaster NHK, Ishiba expressed his intention to step down to maintain party unity and prevent a deeper political crisis. A formal press conference is anticipated later today.

Ishiba’s resignation follows a series of electoral setbacks that severely weakened his leadership and the LDP’s dominance. In the October 2024 general election, the LDP–Komeito coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives, compelling Ishiba to govern as a minority. This situation deteriorated further in July 2025, when the coalition faced another defeat in the House of Councillors, marking the first time in decades that the ruling bloc lost control of both chambers of the National Diet.

Public confidence in Ishiba’s leadership plummeted, with approval ratings dropping to around 23% following the Upper House defeat. The losses intensified internal party pressure and pointed to growing discontent among voters. Increasing rifts within the LDP made Ishiba’s position increasingly precarious, with senior party members, including influential lawmaker Shinjirō Koizumi, urging him to step aside to prevent further division.

In his resignation speech, Ishiba framed the decision as a necessary step to protect the future of the party. His departure underscores the factional tensions within the ruling camp and highlights the urgency to stabilize Japan’s political environment. The past year has not only been rife with electoral challenges but also marred by a political funds scandal. Earlier in 2025, Ishiba’s office was criticized for distributing gift certificates valued at approximately ¥100,000 (around $680 or £500) to newly elected LDP lawmakers, raising questions about potential violations of political funding laws.

While this controversy was not the sole factor behind his resignation, it further damaged Ishiba’s credibility and contributed to perceptions of an embattled administration. Analysts noted that the scandal fueled opposition attacks and undermined Ishiba’s standing within the LDP.

As Ishiba steps down, attention shifts to the contest for leadership of the LDP and the next prime minister. Early frontrunners include Sanae Takaichi, a former internal affairs minister, and Shinjirō Koizumi, the former environment minister. Other potential contenders include Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. The leadership contest is expected to be expedited as the ruling party seeks to restore stability in the wake of Ishiba’s resignation.

This leadership transition occurs during a challenging period for Japan, which is facing economic difficulties, demographic pressures, and regional security concerns. Ishiba’s sudden exit poses a critical test of unity for the LDP and raises urgent questions about the country’s political direction, particularly as opposition parties are poised to capitalize on the government’s weakened position.