Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resolve to remain in office despite his coalition’s loss of a majority in both parliamentary chambers following a weekend election. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito fell three seats short of retaining a majority in the 248-seat upper house, compounding an earlier loss in the October 2024 lower house election. Despite calls for his resignation, Ishiba emphasized his duty to avoid a political vacuum and address urgent issues like rising inflation and looming U.S. tariffs, set to hit 25% by August 1.

“While I painfully feel my serious responsibility over the election results, I must fulfill my responsibility to the country and the people,” Ishiba said, citing global crises and natural disasters as reasons to stay. His chief negotiator, Economic Minister Ryosei Akazawa, is heading to Washington for trade talks, aiming for a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized Japan’s low imports of American autos and rice amid domestic shortages.

Voter frustration over stagnant wages and rising prices, particularly for rice, fueled support for opposition parties like the Democratic Party for the People, which quadrupled its seats, and the right-wing Sanseito, which gained traction with its “Japanese First” platform. Ishiba pledged to analyze the results and seek cooperation from opposition groups to pass legislation, as his coalition struggles with past corruption scandals and public discontent.

Also Read: Japan’s Ruling Coalition Loses Upper House, Ishiba Vows to Fight On

Also Read: US Defends Auto Tariffs as National Security Measure in WTO Dispute with India