Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation, less than a year after taking office. His departure leaves the country facing political uncertainty and triggers a contest to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Ishiba, a centrist known for his calm approach, presided over two major election defeats. In October, the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the lower house. The coalition then suffered the same fate in upper house elections this July.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ishiba said he would step down to take responsibility for the party’s electoral failures. He added that he hoped to prevent a “decisive” split within the LDP.
The announcement comes at a sensitive time for Japan’s economy. The country faces challenges in exports due to US tariffs under former President Donald Trump. Last week, Trump announced a reduction in Japanese car tariffs from 27.5% to 15%, offering a brief moment of optimism for Ishiba’s administration.
“Now that negotiations on US tariff measures have reached a conclusion, I believe this is the appropriate moment to resign,” Ishiba told reporters. “I have decided to step aside and make way for the next generation.”
In recent weeks, opposition to Ishiba, 68, had grown inside the party. Reports suggested that some LDP lawmakers were planning to force him out by advancing the party presidential election, originally set for 2027. Ishiba’s resistance, including his threat of a snap election, reportedly angered party members further, especially on the right.
After discussions with senior colleagues, Ishiba concluded he could no longer lead the LDP. By tradition, the party leader automatically serves as prime minister since the LDP holds the largest share in the lower house.
Attention now turns to potential successors. A leadership vote among lawmakers and party members is expected in early October.
Sanae Takaichi, a conservative former economic security minister who lost to Ishiba in last year’s leadership race, is widely expected to try again. She could become Japan’s first female prime minister if elected.
Shinji Koizumi, the young and popular agriculture minister, is also seen as a potential candidate. He has been working to reduce soaring rice prices and has previously described climate action as “fun” and “exciting.” Koizumi is the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
The outcome of the leadership contest will depend heavily on lawmakers who opposed Ishiba. Influential figures include former Prime Minister Taro Aso and MPs closely aligned with the late Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022.
Ishiba became LDP president last October after five attempts but soon faced setbacks when the coalition lost its lower house majority. With no majority in either house, the government must collaborate with opposition parties to pass legislation or risk no-confidence motions. Japan’s fragmented opposition, however, has not formed a coalition strong enough to challenge the LDP effectively.
The next LDP leader will confront multiple challenges: rising regional tensions, a cost of living crisis, and public unease over migration, which has boosted support for the populist Sanseitō party. Restoring public trust in the LDP, rocked by a major funding scandal, will also be a top priority.
A recent Kyodo poll showed Ishiba’s cabinet approval rating had fallen to 32.7%, down 2.7 points from last month, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.
