Japan PM Faces Loss as Coalition Loses Upper House Majority

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition lost its majority in the upper house elections on Sunday, projected to mark a major setback that could end his brief premiership.

Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito won around 41 of the 125 contested seats, falling short of the 50 needed to keep their majority, according to exit polls from major broadcasters.

The national broadcaster projected the LDP might secure between 27 and 41 seats, while Komeito could gain between five and 12 seats, making it difficult for the coalition to maintain control in the 248-seat chamber.

Meanwhile, the right-wing populist Sanseito party made strong gains, projected to win 10 to 22 seats, adding to its existing two seats.

Ishiba, 68, known as a policy expert and seen as a steady leader when he took office in September, remained cautious about his future, saying, “It’s a difficult situation, and we have to take it humbly and seriously.”

When asked about his position, he added, “I cannot speak lightly of it,” and emphasized the need to wait for final results before deciding the way forward.

Experts suggest Ishiba may be replaced, but a clear successor has yet to emerge.

The LDP has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955, despite frequent leadership changes. Ishiba took office after his fifth leadership bid and quickly called snap elections, a move that backfired and left the coalition dependent on opposition support for passing laws.

Voters expressed frustration with rising living costs and stagnant wages. At a Tokyo polling station, a voter noted concern over increasing prices without salary growth.

Compounding the government’s woes are a recent funding scandal and looming US tariffs, including a 25-percent levy set to take effect on Japanese imports in August, hitting key industries like autos.

Despite Ishiba’s repeated trade talks with the US, no agreement has been reached, with US leadership signalling a firm stance on market access.

The Sanseito party promotes “Japanese-first” policies, including stricter immigration controls and opposition to globalism and certain social reforms. The party recently denied any ties to Moscow after a candidate was interviewed by Russian state media.

With the opposition fragmented and unlikely to form a government, Japan faces political uncertainty as Ishiba’s leadership hangs in the balance.