Japan’s PM Ishiba vows to stay on after election setback amid calls for resignation

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday pledged to remain in office despite a bruising defeat for his ruling coalition in the upper house elections, as pressure mounts from both within his party and the opposition.

Facing growing calls for his resignation, Ishiba struck a defiant tone at a press conference, vowing to stay the course and tackle critical issues ranging from tariff negotiations with the United States to surging consumer prices that are straining household budgets in the world’s fourth-largest economy.

“I accept the people’s verdict with humility, but now is not the time to step aside,” Ishiba said.

“There is urgent work to do, and I intend to carry it out with resolve.”

Sunday’s election results saw the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner lose several key seats, dealing a blow to Ishiba’s authority and fueling speculation over a possible leadership challenge.

Some LDP lawmakers have begun openly questioning his ability to lead the party into the next general election, while opposition leaders said they are weighing a no-confidence motion in parliament.

“The public has lost confidence in this administration,” said Renho Murata, a senior figure in the Constitutional Democratic Party.

“We are seriously considering parliamentary action to hold the prime minister accountable.”

Ishiba, a former defense minister and long-time conservative stalwart, came to power promising reform and national resilience but has seen his approval ratings slide in recent months amid economic anxieties and diplomatic tensions.

Analysts say Ishiba’s grip on power may hinge on how he handles upcoming trade talks with Washington and his administration’s response to inflation, which has eroded real wages and consumer spending.

For now, the embattled leader appears determined to weather the storm. “Leadership requires facing difficulties, not fleeing from them,” he told reporters, in a sign he intends to fight on — at least for now.