- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, 68, announced on Sunday that he will step down as Japan’s leader and as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), less than a year after taking office in October 2024.
- Ishiba faced mounting pressure after historic election defeats as his coalition lost its majority in both the lower and upper houses of parliament, marking the first time since 1955 that the LDP lost control of both chambers.
- Ishiba delayed his resignation until a U.S.-Japan trade deal was finalized, with U.S. President Donald Trump agreeing last week to reduce tariffs on Japanese cars from 25% to 15%.
- The LDP was preparing a leadership vote that would have amounted to a no-confidence motion. Ishiba said he chose to resign voluntarily to avoid splitting the party.
- Ishiba will stay on as caretaker until a new leader is chosen, likely in October.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Announces Resignation
