Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation after less than a year in power, throwing the world’s fourth-largest economy into fresh political uncertainty.
The 68-year-old leader, who came to power in September 2024 as head of the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), revealed on Sunday that he would step aside following the party’s crushing defeats in recent elections.
At a press conference in Tokyo, Ishiba said: “Now that negotiations on US tariff measures have reached a conclusion, I believe this is the appropriate moment. I have decided to step aside and make way for the next generation.”
His exit comes just days after US President Donald Trump signed an order lowering tariffs on Japanese autos from 27.5% to 15%. Although the reduction was welcomed, it still threatens to inflict significant pain on Japan’s crucial automotive sector.
Critics within Ishiba’s party had been calling for him to resign after the LDP lost its majority in both houses of parliament. The party also suffered its worst lower house result in 15 years during October’s elections.
Reports suggest Ishiba was urged to step down by senior party figures, including a former prime minister and farm minister, in a bid to prevent a deeper split in the ruling party.
Four senior LDP officials had already resigned in protest last week, adding to the pressure.
Although Ishiba’s term was supposed to last until 2027, he confirmed he would not contest the upcoming leadership election.
The frontrunners to succeed him include hardline nationalist Sanae Takaichi, who nearly defeated him in the last leadership contest, and farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
Reactions to Ishiba’s resignation have been mixed. While some voters expressed frustration over Japan’s revolving-door leadership, others voiced concern that nothing will change regardless of who takes over.
On social media, the hashtag #IshibaDontQuit trended as supporters urged him to remain in power. However, anger over corruption scandals, rising rice prices, and falling living standards have eroded public confidence in the LDP.
Ishiba, who campaigned on a promise of building a “new Japan,” departs after a career marked by persistence — becoming prime minister on his fifth attempt. His resignation now opens yet another chapter in Japan’s turbulent political landscape.
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