Shigeru Ishiba PC: Reuters
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, less than a year after assuming office, following a series of electoral setbacks that weakened the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) grip on power.
The 68-year-old leader, who had pledged to 'make Japan smile again', decided to step down after the LDP suffered a historic loss in July's parliamentary elections. This marked the third consecutive defeat under his leadership, after earlier losses in Tokyo's local polls in June and a by-election in October
Ishiba had faced pressure from party rivals for weeks but finally agreed to quit. "Now that negotiations on US tariff measures have reached a conclusion. I believe this is the appropriate moment," he told reporters. I have decided to step aside and make way for the next generation." His decision came ahead of a party meeting expected to debate an early leadership election.
Born on February 4, 1957, in Tottori Prefecture, Ishiba graduated from Keio University before entering parliament in 1986. After several failed attempts, he won the LDP leadership in September 2024 and became Japan's 102nd Prime Minister in October.
Known as a 'lone wolf within the party, Ishiba often clashed with past leaders but gained popularity among the public. His tenure, however, was overshadowed by US tariff talks. high living costs and weak economic growth, which eroded public support.
Ishiba previously served as agriculture minister, LDP secretary-general, and minister overseeing population decline and local revitalization. Considered an expert in national security, he has argued for a stronger, more independent Japan and even suggested an Asia-wide NATO-style alliance.
With Ishiba's exit, rivals such as Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi are expected to vie for party leadership.
