PM Shigeru Ishiba: Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is going to resign suddenly, know what is the reason

PM Shigeru Ishiba: Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday suddenly announced his resignation from his post, which has brought a new twist in the country's politics. The decision comes amid growing disagreements and pressure within the party after his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)'s crushing defeat in the parliamentary elections held in July 2025. Ishiba, who took over as prime minister in October 2024, faced opposition from the right-wing faction of his own party and eventually decided to resign to avoid a split in the party.

Background: Defeat in parliamentary election and tension within the party

The July 2025 parliamentary elections saw the LDP and its coalition partners fail to secure a majority in the 248 seats of the upper house. The defeat raised questions over Ishiba's leadership and right-wing leaders within his party began to express dissatisfaction against him. Ishiba continued to resist these demands for the past one month, but growing pressure within the party and preparations for the leadership election forced him to take this difficult decision.

Ishiba took responsibility for the defeat in his resignation announcement, but did not clarify when he would formally step down. His move comes at a time when the LDP was to elect its new leader on Monday. If Ishiba's resignation is accepted, it will be considered a type of no-confidence motion against him.

Leadership crisis in LDP

After Ishiba's resignation, political uncertainty will continue in Japan until the LDP selects its new leader. The new LDP leader will have to garner support not only within the party but also in Parliament to become prime minister. Since the LDP-led coalition has lost majority in the upper house, victory will not be guaranteed for the new leader despite having the largest share in the lower house.

According to LDP rules, a candidate in the leadership election needs the support of at least 20 MPs. Many MPs are already trying to present their candidacy in this race. Potential candidates include:

Sanae Takaichi: Former interior minister, who supports right-wing ideology.

Shinjiro Koizumi: Agriculture minister and son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, who is popular among young leaders.

Takayuki Kobayashi: Former economic security minister, who could be a new face.

Yoshimasa Hayashi: Current chief cabinet secretary, who has an image of experience and stability.

Katsunobu Kato: Finance minister, known for his expertise in economic policies.

Challenges of coalition government

The LDP under Ishiba had to form a coalition government for the first time since its founding in 1955, as it did not have an absolute majority in parliament. The new leader will face the same challenge. He will not only have to maintain unity within the LDP, but also garner support from coalition partners and other parties. With the LDP having the largest share in the lower house, the new leader is likely to win, but it will not be easy.

Future prospects

Ishiba's resignation marks a turning point in Japanese politics. The new LDP leader will not only have to establish unity within the party, but also address issues such as economic challenges, international relations and internal reforms. Japan's economy, which has been seeking stability in recent years, and regional security, particularly tensions with North Korea and China, will be key priorities for the new leadership.

Ishiba's tenure was short but eventful. His reformist approach tried to soften the LDP's image to some extent, but ideological differences within the party and parliamentary defeats undermined his efforts. It remains to be seen how the next LDP leader deals with these challenges and whether he is able to take Japan out of this period of uncertainty.