Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announces decision to resign

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his decision to step down, local media reported on Sunday, following calls for new leadership within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) after a poor showing in recent upper house elections.

The 68-year-old Ishiba, who became party leader less than a year ago, has seen his majority erode in both houses of parliament. According to public broadcaster NHK, Ishiba’s resignation aims to prevent divisions within the LDP, while Asahi Shimbun reported that he faced mounting pressure from party members demanding his departure.

On Saturday night, Ishiba reportedly met with the farm minister and a former Prime Minister, who urged him to resign voluntarily. Last week, four senior LDP officials, including party number two Hiroshi Moriyama, offered to step down in response to the election setbacks.

Opponents of Ishiba had long called for his resignation, arguing that he should take responsibility for the party’s disappointing performance in July’s upper chamber vote.

LDP lawmakers and regional party officials planning a new leadership election are expected to submit a formal request on Monday. If the necessary majority is secured, a leadership contest will be held to select Ishiba’s successor.