Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito lost their parliamentary majority, securing only 215 seats, short of the 233 needed to govern.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to remain in office despite the setback, acknowledging the public’s “harsh judgment” and pledging reforms to address corruption and inflation.
The defeat follows years of scandals, including allegations of political funding misuse, which eroded public trust. Economic hardship has also fueled voter frustration, with inflation outpacing stagnant wages.
The largest opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), gained 148 seats but failed to rally widespread support. Voters expressed disillusionment with both the government and opposition.
Ishiba faces growing pressure within the party, with speculation that he could become Japan’s shortest-serving post-war prime minister. Despite political turmoil, the Nikkei 225 index rose 1.5%, though the yen weakened against the US dollar.
