Ishiba Steps Down Post-Defeat in July Election for PM Position
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Steps Down Following Election Defeat
Shigeru Ishiba, the Prime Minister of Japan, announced his resignation on September 7, 2025, after facing growing calls for his resignation within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) following the party's major defeat in the July House of Councillors election.
At a hastily called press conference in the afternoon, Ishiba addressed the nation, acknowledging the LDP's defeat and expressing his difficulty in remaining in office. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Prime Minister and pledged to support a smooth transition.
The LDP will hold an extraordinary leadership election to select Ishiba's successor, with several potential candidates in the running. These include Sanae Takaichi, a former Minister for Economic Security who is running as a candidate in the upcoming leadership election scheduled for October 4, 2025. Takaichi, who is 64 years old, is considered the likely next female leader of Japan.
Other potential candidates include Shinjiro Koizumi, who is 44 years old, Yoshimasa Hayashi, also 64 years old, Takayuki Kobayashi, who is 50 years old, and Toshimitsu Motegi, who is 69 years old.
Once the new LDP president is elected, they will also become the prime minister of Japan. The extraordinary Diet session will take place after Ishiba's successor is elected. Ishiba is expected to leave office after his successor is elected prime minister at this session.
Ishiba's resignation as the president of the LDP also means he will resign as prime minister. His departure marks a significant turning point in Japanese politics, and the upcoming leadership election is eagerly anticipated by many.
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