CaliToday (07/9/2025): TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Sunday that he will resign after less than a year in office, a turbulent tenure marked by the loss of his party's majority in both houses of parliament and mounting internal pressure over poor election results.
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| Shigeru Ishiba said he will resign as prime minister after less than a year in office (TORU HANAI) |
The announcement signals fresh instability for the world's fourth-largest economy as it grapples with soaring food prices and navigates the consequences of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on its crucial automobile industry.
Speaking at a press conference, Ishiba confirmed that the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) should prepare for a leadership election, and that he would remain in his post until a successor is chosen.
"Now that negotiations on the U.S. tariff measures have reached a conclusion, I believe this is the appropriate time," the 68-year-old leader stated. "I have decided to step down and make way for the next generation."
The prime minister's decision follows the conclusion of a contentious trade deal with Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to reduce tariffs on Japanese cars from 27.5% to 15%. However, despite the reduction, the new tariff is still expected to cause significant losses for Japan's vital auto sector.
Mounting Calls to Resign
While the U.S. trade deal provided the official timing for his exit, Ishiba had been facing intense pressure to step down for months. His opponents had called for him to take responsibility for the LDP's dismal performance in the July Upper House election. That loss was preceded by the October 2024 Lower House election, which saw the LDP suffer its worst result in 15 years.
Japanese media reported that Ishiba, who wanted to avoid a divisive party split, could no longer withstand the growing calls for his resignation. The pressure culminated on Saturday evening when the Agriculture Minister and a former prime minister reportedly met with Ishiba to urge him to step down voluntarily. Last week, four senior LDP officials, including the party's second-in-command Hiroshi Moriyama, offered their resignations.
"While trying to get along with many people and promote harmony, my sincere efforts led to me losing my own way," Ishiba reflected at the press conference, adding that he would not contest the upcoming leadership race.
Succession Race Begins
With Ishiba's departure, attention now turns to his potential successor. The most prominent contender is Sanae Takaichi, a hardline nationalist who was the runner-up in the last leadership election and has all but declared her intention to run.
A late-August Nikkei poll ranked Takaichi as the most "suitable" successor, followed by Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
Ishiba, a diligent political veteran, was elected as LDP leader in September 2024 on his fifth attempt, promising a "new Japan." Regarded as a reliable and safe choice, his appointment was initially welcomed by both China and South Korea with hopes of improved relations. However, his tenure has been plagued by a decline in public support for the LDP, which has governed almost continuously since 1955. Voters have grown disillusioned with escalating prices, falling living standards, and a series of corruption scandals within the party.
