Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba Steps Down: What His Resignation Means for the Future After Election Setbacks

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s prime minister, has decided to resign less than a year after taking office. His departure creates uncertainty in Japanese politics, especially within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba faced two significant electoral defeats since his election last autumn: losing the lower house majority in October and again in the upper house in July.

He announced his resignation to take responsibility for these losses and to prevent deeper divisions in the party. “I want to avoid a split in the LDP,” he told reporters. Ishiba made this announcement while Japan encounters challenges, including the impact of U.S. tariffs on exports. Recently, President Trump reduced tariffs on Japanese cars, bringing a slight glimmer of optimism for the ailing economy.

As public support for Ishiba dwindled, media reports suggested that party members were planning to vote him out. His resistance to calls for a leadership election, which was not scheduled until 2027, angered many within the party.

In light of Ishiba’s decision to step down, attention shifts to potential successors. Sanae Takaichi, a former cabinet minister, aims to make history as Japan’s first female prime minister and may run again. Another strong candidate is Shinji Koizumi, the agriculture minister, known for his fresh approach and charisma. His family legacy, as the son of former PM Junichiro Koizumi, adds to his appeal.

The future leader of the LDP will have to navigate significant challenges. A recent Kyodo poll indicated Ishiba’s cabinet approval rating has dropped to 32.7%. The new leader will need to tackle rising regional tensions, a cost-of-living crisis, and public dissatisfaction over migration issues, all while restoring trust in a party that has primarily held power since the mid-1950s.

As Japan grapples with these political shifts, it remains to be seen how the new leadership will respond to public concerns and the current economic landscape.



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