Overview

• The LDP-Komeito coalition’s defeat in the July 20 Senate elections left the government without majorities in both chambers for the first time since World War II, exacerbating legislative gridlock.
• Press and party members intensified calls for Ishiba’s resignation following the Senate setback, reflecting public dissatisfaction over inflation, soaring rice prices and party funding scandals.
• Ishiba said at Wednesday’s party meeting there was no discussion of resignation, even as the Mainichi newspaper reported he told aides he would step down by end of August.
• He is delaying any resignation decision until trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa returns from Washington, where he secured a tariff agreement reducing U.S. duties on Japanese goods to 15%.
• Smaller parties such as the anti-immigration Sanseito have capitalized on voter discontent, boosting their Senate presence and challenging the LDP’s long-standing dominance.