The resignation came one day before his Party was to decide whether to hold an early leadership election.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Sept. 7 that he is stepping down, following two election losses.
Ishiba first took office in October 2024 and has rejected calls from conservative members of his own party for weeks to step down, suggesting that doing so would open up Japan to a political vacuum while it faces critical challenges at home and abroad.
The prime minister announced his resignation one day before his Liberal Democratic Party was poised to decide on potentially holding an early leadership election. This would amount to a virtual no-confidence motion against Ishiba if approved.
During a news conference, the prime minister said he would initiate the process of holding a party leadership vote to determine his replacement and that Monday’s decision was unnecessary.
Ishiba would have faced numerous obstacles managing a divided party and minority government had he remained prime minister.
In July’s critical parliamentary election, Ishiba’s ruling coalition was unsuccessful in securing a majority in the 248-seat upper house, another test for the stability of the prime minister’s administration. Previously, the party-led coalition had lost a majority during an earlier election defeat in the lower house.
Ishiba made his decision following a Saturday meeting with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his mentor, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
Previously, Ishiba had insisted on staying in office, stressing that Japan should avoid a political vacuum as it faces significant challenges, including U.S. tariffs, inflation, reforms for rice policy, and increasing tensions in the region.
The Liberal Democratic Party’s review of last week’s election loss called for a “complete overhaul” of the party, resulting in requests for an early leadership vote or for Ishiba to resign before Monday’s results have gained momentum.
The conservative Taro Aso, who has opposed Ishiba, along with a minister and multiple deputy ministers in the Ishiba Cabinet, all requested an early vote, prompting others to do the same.
The best way to prevent the party’s division and move forward is for the prime minister “to settle” the disagreements before Monday’s vote, former Health Minister Norihisa Tamura told an NHK talk show earlier Sunday. Tamura urged Ishiba to resign.
By Jacob Burg
