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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation Sunday, marking Japan’s return to the unstable “revolving door” leadership that plagued the country from the 1990s to early 2000s.
Mr. Ishiba becomes Japan’s fourth prime minister from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to step down in just five years, citing his desire to prevent “a decisive split” within the party.
Despite recent improvements in his approval ratings, Mr. Ishiba’s tenure was marked by significant electoral defeats. The LDP lost its majorities in both houses of the Diet and the Tokyo Prefectural Assembly under his leadership, creating substantial political pressure from within his own party.
Mr. Ishiba, who was viewed as reform-minded, particularly on immigration issues, faced opposition from party conservatives throughout his time in office. His position became increasingly untenable following a series of high-profile cabinet resignations, damaging statements from party leaders, and threats from rebels within the LDP to force an immediate leadership contest.
However, he did achieve one major diplomatic success during his tenure. His negotiating team successfully concluded difficult trade talks with the Trump administration in July, securing a deal that imposed 15% tariffs on Japanese exports while securing $550 billion in Japanese investment commitments to the United States. The agreement was formally signed by President Trump on Thursday through an executive order.
Ironically, the completion of these negotiations removed Mr. Ishiba’s primary justification for remaining in office and prompted his opponents to move against him.
The upcoming LDP leadership race is expected to occur imminently, with Mr. Ishiba remaining as caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen. Two prominent candidates are emerging: Takaichi Sanae, a hard-core conservative considered the political heir to assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former premier Junichiro Koizumi.
The leadership change comes as the LDP faces challenges from the hard-right Shinseito Party, which adopts a “Japanese First” motto inspired by MAGA politics. Japan confronts numerous domestic challenges including rising inflation, demographic decline, and a sense of national stagnation. Internationally, the country must navigate tensions with nuclear-armed neighbors China, North Korea, and Russia while maintaining its crucial security alliance with the United States, though questions remain about Japan’s willingness to significantly increase defense spending as Washington desires.
Read more: Japanese prime minister announces resignation after losses fracture party support
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