Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday during a press conference in Tokyo. He cited, among other reasons, a trade agreement with the United States that imposed a 15% tariff on Japanese imports.
The announcement came after the ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house in July. Ishiba expressed deep regret, admitting he had failed to meet expectations as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and took responsibility for the defeat, according to Telex .
According to Kyodo News , Ishiba stepped down in order to “avoid a decisive split” within the party. He added that he would not run in the LDP’s upcoming leadership election, despite having secured the party presidency last year on his fifth attempt. While he called the trade deal a “milestone”, Ishiba urged his successor to strengthen Japan’s ties with the United States and other allies.
He will remain in office until successor is chosen
Though stepping down as LDP president, Ishiba will remain Prime Minister until the party selects a new leader. In Japan’s political system, the party presidency is effectively equivalent to the position of head of government. The LDP leadership vote is expected to take place next month, unless rescheduled earlier.
The Prime Minister’s departure comes amid mounting internal criticism within his party following the 20 July upper house defeat. Previously, Ishiba had repeatedly rejected calls for his resignation, signalling his intention to remain in office.
Less than a year as Japanese Prime Minister
Ishiba became Prime Minister in October of last year, promising to curb inflation and reform the party. However, his tenure was quickly marred by electoral setbacks, with the coalition losing its lower house majority and then failing to secure control of the upper house this July.
He is now the third Japanese prime minister to resign within five years, following Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida. Suga, who took over from Shinzo Abe in September 2020, stepped down in October 2021 under criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was succeeded by Kishida, who pledged economic growth and political reform but resigned in October 2024 amid campaign finance scandals and backlash over ties to the Unification Church.
Ishiba took office in October 2024 but announced his resignation on 7 September 2025: just 11 months into his term.
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