Shigeru Ishiba urged to resign after election defeat, as members of his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) publicly demand accountability. On Tuesday, pressure intensified following the ruling coalition’s poor performance in Japan’s upper house elections.
Ishiba insists he will remain in office, claiming his leadership is essential during what he called a “national crisis.” However, his influence has clearly weakened. The LDP and its partner Komeito now lack control over both parliamentary chambers.
Upper house lawmaker Hiroshi Yamada posted on social media, “The prime minister should take responsibility for the crushing defeat.” Likewise, LDP lawmaker Eikei Suzuki urged Ishiba to act fast. “He is playing down the election outcome,” Suzuki wrote on X.
During Monday’s press conference, Ishiba acknowledged a “heavy responsibility” for the loss. Yet he defended his decision to stay. He noted that voters still made the LDP the largest force in parliament. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of continuing tariff talks with the United States.
Nevertheless, Shigeru Ishiba urged to resign after election defeat, because many party members question his ability to lead. Inflation continues to erode public support. Trust in the government’s response remains low.
Currently, the coalition holds 122 seats in the 248-member upper house—three short of a majority. Party leaders will meet on July 31 to analyze the results and debate whether Ishiba should stay on as prime minister.
Election chief Seiji Kihara appeared on TV Monday, stating he will decide his future role “at the right time.” His comments suggest more resignations could follow if dissatisfaction grows.
For now, Ishiba has opted to keep the current leadership team in place. However, he hinted at a possible reshuffle in September, when executive terms end.
Meanwhile, internal calls for broader accountability continue. Former Foreign Minister Taro Kono, a frequent Ishiba critic, renewed pressure on Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama. “If Ishiba stays for tariff talks, Moriyama must resign,” Kono said during a televised interview.
Still, Shigeru Ishiba urged to resign after election defeat underscores deeper unrest in the LDP. Voter dissatisfaction, party infighting, and economic challenges converge as the party faces a leadership crossroads.
If Ishiba cannot regain confidence from both the public and his colleagues, his hold on power may weaken further in the coming weeks.
