Japan Enters Uncertain Phase After Ishiba Resignation

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned on Sunday, September 7, 2025, following mounting pressure from within his own party after a devastating election loss.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a historic defeat in the July parliamentary elections, losing its majority in both the upper and lower houses. The setback sparked widespread calls from party members for Ishiba to step down and take responsibility.

Although he initially resisted, cautioning that his departure might create a political vacuum, Ishiba eventually gave in to the pressure. He announced that he would set in motion a leadership vote to determine his successor, eliminating the need for Monday’s scheduled no-confidence-style decision.

During his tenure, Ishiba grappled with major challenges, including U.S. tariffs that hurt Japan’s economy, rising domestic prices, contentious rice policy reforms, and heightened regional tensions.

His decision came after key discussions with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, both influential figures in the LDP. Just days earlier, LDP Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama had also offered his resignation, signaling deep unrest within the party’s leadership.

The LDP has pledged a full review of its electoral setbacks and is expected to hold a presidential election in early October to chart a new course for the party’s future.