Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he has no intention of quitting, despite exit polls indicating his ruling coalition may lose its majority in the country’s upper house.
Sunday’s election comes amid rising voter frustration over inflation, stagnant wages, and growing tensions in trade negotiations with the United States.
Preliminary results suggest Ishiba’s coalition—comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and junior partner Komeito—could fall short of the 50 seats required to retain a majority in the 248-seat chamber.
Speaking after polls closed, Ishiba acknowledged the “harsh result,” but said he would focus on “critical economic and trade matters,” including talks with Washington.
The LDP, in power almost uninterrupted since 1955, has recently faced a surge of support for smaller, right-leaning parties, including the Sanseito party, whose anti-immigration rhetoric and nationalist messaging have resonated with conservative voters.
Analysts point to Sanseito’s appeal among supporters of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, noting Ishiba’s more moderate stances have alienated portions of the party’s traditional base.
Political scandals and the rising cost of living—especially staple goods like rice—have also contributed to voter dissatisfaction. The results could mirror the fates of Ishiba’s predecessors, who stepped down shortly after similar losses.
Still, Ishiba has so far resisted pressure to resign. A leadership contest within the LDP now looms, with potential challengers such as Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi eyeing a post-Ishiba transition.
