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Japan’s Ruling Coalition Poised to Lose Upper House Majority as Far-Right Gains

Projections show the coalition falling short of the seats needed to block legislation, heightening pressure on Ishiba to secure a U.S. trade deal before a 25% tariff takes effect on August 1.

Overview

  • Exit polls project the LDP and Komeito will win only 41 to 43 of the 125 contested seats, below the 50 required to retain an upper house majority.
  • Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he accepts the “harsh result” and intends to stay in office to oversee critical tariff negotiations with the United States.
  • Internal critics including University of Tokyo professor Yu Uchiyama warn of an LDP leadership challenge if the coalition cannot regain control.
  • The far-right Sanseito party is expected to increase its representation to at least 10 seats on a “Japanese First” and anti-immigration platform.
  • With both chambers now lacking LDP-Komeito majorities and an August 1 tariff deadline looming, prospects of legislative gridlock and economic uncertainty are rising.