Shigeru Ishiba denies resignation rumors after Japanese media claimed he planned to quit following the coalition’s poor upper house election performance. Reports said he would step down to take responsibility for the setback.
However, at party headquarters on Wednesday, Ishiba directly dismissed those claims. “I have never made such a statement,” he told reporters. “The facts reported in the media are completely unfounded.”
His response came one day after he unveiled a major trade agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal lowered tariffs on Japanese auto exports and blocked additional U.S. duties on other goods.
According to a close aide, Ishiba chose not to resign immediately to avoid destabilizing trade talks before the August 1 deadline. Although the aide declined public identification, they emphasized Ishiba’s focus on finalizing the agreement.
Still, Shigeru Ishiba denies resignation rumors even as speculation intensifies. Multiple Japanese outlets suggest he could step down next month. If true, his term would end less than a year after taking office.
A resignation would spark a fierce leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The LDP, long dominant in Japanese politics, now faces stronger pressure from vocal right-wing challengers.
Among them, the far-right Sanseito party gained traction. It rose from one to 14 upper house seats in Sunday’s vote. The party promotes immigration restrictions, tax reductions, and direct economic aid.
Ishiba, now 68, previously served as defense minister. After four failed attempts, he finally beat conservative Sanae Takaichi in last year’s leadership runoff.
Any successor will face immediate tests. The LDP no longer controls either house after its lower chamber loss in October. The new leader must quickly win opposition support to secure parliamentary confirmation.
Although Ishiba hasn’t publicly discussed resignation, party insiders remain doubtful about his future. “He hasn’t announced it,” said one LDP official, “but many expect him to leave soon.”
For now, Shigeru Ishiba denies resignation rumors, even as political pressure and uncertainty grow ahead of Japan’s next major decisions.
