The premiership of Shigeru Ishiba, who took office last autumn after five attempts at the LDP presidency, has crumbled in under a year. The Japanese leader announced his resignation, taking responsibility for a series of political setbacks that have weakened his party and his government.
Hopes that Ishiba could stabilize the Liberal Democratic Party were quickly dashed. Just weeks after he became prime minister, his coalition lost its majority in the powerful lower house. This July, history repeated itself in the upper house, leaving his government politically exposed and unable to govern with a free hand.
Facing plummeting approval ratings and a rebellion from LDP hardliners, Ishiba conceded defeat. In a televised statement, he said he wished to avoid a “decisive” split in the party he has served for decades, choosing to step aside rather than fight a losing battle for his political survival.
As Japan prepares for another leadership change, the focus will be on who can offer a path forward. The ultra-conservative Sanae Takaichi is expected to launch another bid, while some in the party are looking toward younger figures like Shinji Koizumi to rejuvenate the LDP’s image and appeal.
From Hope to Resignation: Ishiba’s Brief Premiership Crumbles
