Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is stepping down less than a year after taking office, a move that has thrown the country’s politics into turmoil and triggered what could be a contentious race to succeed him as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The soft-spoken centrist has overseen two election defeats since becoming LDP leader last autumn. In October, the party and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the lower house, and the same happened in upper house elections this July.
Speaking to the media on Sunday evening—just before opponents within the party were expected to try to force him out—Ishiba said he would resign to take responsibility for the election losses, hoping to prevent a major split in the LDP.
His announcement comes at a time of uncertainty for the world’s fourth-largest economy, which is grappling with the impact of U.S. tariffs on exports. Last week, President Donald Trump said he would reduce tariffs on Japanese cars from 27.5% to 15%, offering a rare glimmer of hope for the embattled prime minister.
“Now that negotiations on U.S. tariffs have concluded, I believe this is the right time to resign,” Ishiba told reporters. “I have decided to step aside and make way for the next generation.”
Opposition to the 68-year-old leader has grown in recent weeks, with media reports suggesting unhappy MPs planned to vote on Monday to move up the party leadership election, originally scheduled for 2027.
Ishiba reportedly angered many, especially those on the LDP’s right, by resisting this move and instead threatening to call a snap election, challenging his critics to back their words with action.
According to Kyodo News, Ishiba concluded after talks with senior colleagues on Saturday that he could no longer lead the LDP—a role that automatically makes its holder prime minister, since the party holds the most seats in the lower house.
With Ishiba now vowing not to run in the upcoming leadership contest, attention is turning to potential successors. A vote among lawmakers and party members is expected in early October.
Sanae Takaichi, an ultra-conservative former economic security minister who lost to Ishiba in last year’s leadership race, is expected to try again to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
Some analysts believe the LDP may turn to its young and charismatic agriculture minister, Shinji Koizumi, who has worked to lower soaring rice prices since taking office in May. The son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, he once described the fight against climate change as “sexy” and “fun” during his time as environment minister.
The outcome will depend heavily on how key critics of Ishiba vote, including former Prime Minister Taro Aso, who remains influential, and other MPs close to the late Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in July 2022.
Ishiba won the LDP presidency on his fifth attempt last October but soon faced reality when his coalition lost its majority in the powerful lower house later that month.
Without a majority in either house, the coalition must now work with opposition parties to pass laws or face the constant risk of no-confidence motions. However, Japan’s fragmented opposition has been unable to capitalize on the LDP’s troubles to form a strong coalition.
Japan is dealing with rising regional tensions, a cost-of-living crisis, and growing public concern over migration, which has boosted support for the populist Sanseitō party.
Ishiba’s successor will also need to restore public trust in the LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously since the 1950s, after the party was shaken by a major funding scandal.
A Kyodo poll released on Sunday showed…A recent survey revealed that support for Ishiba’s cabinet has fallen to 32.7%, a drop of 2.7 percentage points from the previous month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Shigeru Ishibas potential resignation designed to be clear and helpful for readers at different levels of familiarity with Japanese politics
General Beginner Questions
Q Who is Shigeru Ishiba
A Shigeru Ishiba is a veteran Japanese politician a longtime member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a former Defense Minister He is known as a policy expert and has often been a popular figure with the public
Q Is he the current Prime Minister of Japan
A No The current Prime Minister is Fumio Kishida Shigeru Ishiba is a powerful and influential figure within the ruling party but does not currently hold the top job
Q So why is he in the news about resigning
A He is considering resigning from the LDP due to his factions extremely poor performance in a recent election This is a protest against the partys leadership and direction
Q What election did so poorly
A The 2024 byelections The LDP rocked by a major fundraising scandal lost all three seats it was defending This was seen as a huge public rebuke
Intermediate Advanced Questions
Q Hes resigning from the party itself not just a government post
A Correct He is reportedly considering leaving the Liberal Democratic Party entirely which is a drastic move for such a senior figure Its a way to distance himself from the partys failures and scandals
Q What is his faction and why did it do so badly
A Ishiba leads his own faction within the LDP While he himself is popular his factions candidates were still associated with the broader LDP brand which is currently tarnished by scandal Voters punished the party as a whole
Q What does this mean for Prime Minister Kishida
A Its a significant blow The resignation of a highprofile respected figure like Ishiba signals deep internal dissent and weakens Kishidas authority It increases pressure on Kishida himself to take responsibility for the election disaster
Q Could Ishiba form his own new party
