Overview

• Exit polls and early counts show the LDP-Komeito coalition winning only 46 of the 125 contested seats, falling short of the 50 needed to retain an upper house majority.
• The projected outcome marks the first time since 1955 that an LDP-led government will be a minority in both houses of parliament.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has accepted the results and declared his intention to stay in office despite rising calls for his resignation.
• The right-wing Sanseito party surged from one seat to at least 13, reflecting voter dissatisfaction over inflation and stagnant wages.
• A fully minority parliament risks gridlock on key domestic reforms and could complicate U.S.–Japan trade negotiations before an August 1 tariff deadline.