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3w ago

Ishiba Defers Resignation as US-Japan Trade Deal Secured

He has said he will study the 15% tariff pact’s details prior to deciding whether to resign.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a press conference at the headquarters of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo on July 21, 2025, the day after the prime minister's coalition lost its upper house majority. PHILIP FONG/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba holds a press conference on October 9, 2024, at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, after dissolving the Lower House of Parliament and proceeding for an early election on October 27. David Mareuil/Pool via REUTERS/
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Overview

  • Following the July 20 vote, Ishiba’s LDP-Komeito coalition lost its Upper House majority and now controls neither parliamentary chamber.
  • Negotiators announced a US-Japan agreement cutting reciprocal tariffs to 15% and unlocking $550 billion in Japanese investment into the United States.
  • Ishiba has rejected reports of an imminent exit and tied his leadership decision to the finalized details of the tariff pact.
  • He met on July 23 with former prime ministers Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida and Yoshihide Suga, who underlined the need to maintain party unity without broaching a leadership contest.
  • The far-right Sanseito party surged from one to 14 Upper House seats, reflecting voter disillusionment and heightening pressure on the LDP.