In a surprise move, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on September 7, 2025, following growing calls from within his own party to step down after a historic defeat in the July parliamentary election. Ishiba's decision comes just 11 months after he took office in October 2024.
Reasons Behind the Resignation
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a significant loss in the upper house election, failing to secure a majority. This defeat, coupled with an earlier loss in the lower house, weakened Ishiba's leadership and sparked divisions within the party. Critics argued that Ishiba's leadership was unable to effectively address the country's challenges, including economic issues and regional tensions ¹.
Impact on the Party
Ishiba's resignation is expected to pave the way for a new leadership election within the LDP, likely to be held in early October. Potential candidates include ¹:
- *Shinjiro Koizumi*: Agriculture Minister and perceived mentor to Ishiba
- *Sanae Takaichi*: Ultra-conservative former Economic Security Minister
- *Yoshimasa Hayashi*: Chief Cabinet Secretary and protégé of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
The new leader will face significant challenges, including working with opposition parties to pass bills and navigating complex issues like US tariffs and regional tensions.
Next Steps
Ishiba has initiated the process for a party leadership vote to choose his replacement. The LDP will need to set a date for the election and navigate the transition process in the coming weeks. With the party's stability at stake, the next leader will play a crucial role in shaping Japan's future ².
