Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Expected to Step Down

TDT | Manama

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly preparing to resign by the end of August, according to several local media outlets. The news comes after his party suffered a major defeat in the recent upper house elections and shortly after finalizing a major trade deal with the United States.

Sources say Mr. Ishiba has already informed close aides of his intention to step down, taking responsibility for the election results where his ruling coalition lost its majority. The Liberal Democratic Party leader has been facing increasing pressure from within his party to resign.

According to Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper, Mr. Ishiba told his inner circle on Tuesday that he would speak publicly about his future after wrapping up negotiations with the US. Both Mainichi and Sankei newspapers reported that his formal resignation announcement is likely to come next month, after key national events conclude.

Adding to the timing of the news, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday via his Truth Social platform that a “massive” trade agreement had been reached with Japan. The deal reportedly includes $550 billion in Japanese investments into the US and a reduction in planned tariffs on Japanese goods from 25% to 15%.

If Mr. Ishiba steps down as expected, Japan will soon be preparing for a leadership transition amid shifting political and economic priorities.