Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba yields his position

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation, a move that could significantly impact the election of the next prime minister. Ishiba's decision comes after his coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito, lost the majority in the House of Councillors election in July.

Ishiba has pledged to fulfill his duties until a new LDP president is elected. The LDP, the country's longest-ruling party, is now faced with a crucial choice. They could bring one opposition party on board to form a three-party coalition or continue as a minority government.

The LDP has been criticised for shifting too far to the left, and all factions within the party agree that reform is necessary. The next LDP president, who will also likely be elected as Japan's prime minister in parliament, is expected to be either Shinjiro Koizumi, representing the liberal wing, or Sanae Takaichi, representing the conservative wing. The party faces a significant conflict as they grapple with this crucial choice, with Koizumi favoured by liberals and Takaichi by conservatives.

The fragmented opposition seems unlikely to agree on a joint candidate for prime minister. Meanwhile, the right-wing populist small party Sanseito, known for its anti-foreigner stance, benefited from the election results, further complicating the political landscape.

Professor Axel Klein, of the University of Duisburg-Essen, predicts that the LDP will make greater concessions to an opposition party in an effort to regain support. He also notes that the LDP has lost conservative voter segments due to recent election defeats, indicating a shift in political allegiances.

The trade agreement with the US was concluded shortly before Ishiba's announcement, a move that could provide some stability amidst the political turmoil. However, Ishiba's resignation was intended to prevent a "split" in the LDP, suggesting that the internal conflict within the party is far from resolved.

Ishiba, who is considered more liberal, has been a polarising figure within the LDP. His resignation marks a significant moment in Japanese politics, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in the country's political landscape. As the LDP prepares for a new leadership, the future direction of Japan's politics remains uncertain.