Japan’s ruling coalition is certain to lose its majority in the upper house, public broadcaster NHK announced on Monday after exit poll returns.
It’s a tough blow for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose party lost control of the more powerful lower house in October 2024. With the loss of the upper house, Ishiba faces an uncertain future.
Nevertheless, the center-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader said that while he “solemnly” accepted the “harsh result,” he has no intention to step down.
“We are engaged in extremely critical tariff negotiations with the United States … we must never ruin these negotiations. It is only natural to devote our complete dedication and energy to realizing our national interests,” he told TV Tokyo in an interview, referencing the imminent Aug. 1 trade negotiation deadline with the United States….
Japan’s Ruling Coalition Projected to Lose Control of Upper House: Exit Polls
