Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba set to resign following election defeats, amidst a rebellion within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)

In a significant turn of events, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided to step down, according to local media reports. The resignation comes after a series of disastrous results for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the upper chamber vote in July, and mounting calls for Ishiba to take responsibility.

The reports suggest that Ishiba met with the farm minister and a former prime minister last night to discuss his resignation. The exact date of his resignation has not been specified, but it is implied that it may occur after the leadership race.

The leadership race will be held if the required majority is reached, as per the current process involving a candidate chosen by discussion at the general meeting of LDP National Diet members. The most recent holder of this position before Ishiba's resignation was Shigeru Ishiba, elected on 27 September 2024.

The calls for Ishiba to step down have been echoed by opponents who believe he should take responsibility for the election results. The reason for the disastrous upper house elections is not detailed in the report, but it appears to be a significant factor in the calls for Ishiba's resignation.

The resignation of four senior LDP officials, including the number two, Hiroshi Moriyama, may be related to the calls for Ishiba to step down. Last week, these officials offered to resign. LDP lawmakers and regional officials across Japan are expected to submit a request for a new leadership election tomorrow.

The impact of Ishiba's resignation and the subsequent leadership race on Japan's political landscape is not clear at this time. However, the changes could have implications for the future direction of the LDP and Japanese politics.

The public broadcaster NHK reported that Ishiba made the decision to avoid a split in the party. The decision was made less than a year after Ishiba took the helm of the long-dominant LDP.

The Asahi Shimbun daily reported that Ishiba was unable to withstand mounting calls for his resignation. The calls for Ishiba to step down and the subsequent leadership race may have far-reaching consequences for Japan's political landscape.

The ruling party in Japan is seeking to hold a new leadership race following the disastrous upper house elections. The new chairman of the LDP, once elected, will play a crucial role in steering the party and the country through these challenging times.