MWE Correspondent
Japan’s political landscape was jolted on Sunday as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his ruling coalition lost control of both chambers in the National Diet, the country’s bicameral legislature.
It’s the first time in more than 30 years that a sitting government has suffered such a comprehensive parliamentary setback.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito fell short of a majority in the 248-seat House of Councillors, winning only 47 out of the 125 contested seats. Combined, the two parties now hold 122 seats—three seats shy of a majority.
This comes just months after the coalition lost control of the House of Representatives—the lower house—following Ishiba’s announcement of a snap election that backfired amidst a widening corruption scandal. That decision has haunted Ishiba’s government ever since, contributing to what many see as a growing disconnect between political leadership and the public mood.
The election saw a notable uptick in civic engagement. According to official data from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, voter turnout reached 58.5%, a jump of over six percentage points from the last election cycle. Early voting also saw a dramatic 33% increase, underlining a population eager for political change.
Perhaps the most dramatic development was the meteoric rise of Sanseito, also known as the “Japanese First Party.” With a platform focused on national sovereignty, immigration controls, and conservative education reforms, the populist party captured 14 seats, pushing its total to 15 in the upper house. Analysts say Sanseito successfully tapped into the frustrations of younger and working-class voters concerned about Japan’s economic stagnation and rising cost of living.
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Other opposition groups, such as the Democratic Party for the People, also made gains. The fragmented results mean Japan now faces a period of legislative uncertainty, where even basic policy reforms could be bogged down by negotiation and compromise.
Despite the clear rebuke, Ishiba has ruled out resignation. “The people have spoken, and while we respect their decision, we remain committed to stability and reform,” the prime minister said in a televised address. However, murmurs within the LDP suggest a leadership challenge could be imminent. According to local reports, several influential party figures have begun pushing for internal discussions on whether Ishiba should continue leading the party into the next general election.
The coalition’s weakened position complicates ongoing negotiations with the United States over trade and tariffs, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors. With a critical round of talks scheduled in early August, Japan’s ability to present a unified policy front is now in question.
The ripple effects of the election are also likely to impact domestic policy. Legislative proposals on pension reform, immigration, and Japan’s future role in international security—including its commitments under the Japan–US security alliance—are all expected to face delays.
