By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
TOKYO (Worthy News) – Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation Sunday after less than a year in office, following two crushing parliamentary defeats that cost his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) its coalition majority in both chambers.
Ishiba, 68, said he chose to step down after concluding tariff negotiations with the United States, which he described as a “national crisis.” The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding last week, alongside a U.S. executive order, lowering tariffs in exchange for Japanese investments.
“I have consistently said that one should not cling to office,” Ishiba told reporters, adding it was “the appropriate moment to step aside and pass the baton to the next leader.”
The LDP, which has ruled almost continuously since 1955, will now hold a leadership election to select Ishiba’s successor. His resignation deepens political uncertainty in one of the world’s most stable democracies and a key U.S. security ally.
Ishiba took office last October, promising to tackle rising prices and reform his scandal-hit party. However, the LDP soon lost its absolute majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years, followed by a July upper house defeat that left the party without a majority in either chamber.
Amid growing internal pressure, Ishiba acknowledged he failed to restore public trust after a fundraising scandal and apologized to voters. “To the people of Japan, I deeply apologize for having to resign in this manner. I am truly sorry,” he said.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
Iran’s sweeping internet blackout has entered its fourth week, leaving millions of civilians cut off from global communications as the conflict with the United States and Israel intensifies.
The United States has surpassed 10,000 strikes on Iranian targets since launching Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, marking a major milestone in the ongoing military campaign, according to U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is considering calling up the National Guard to assist federal agents at airports as long lines and delays intensify during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Video has emerged showing protesters booing and chasing away Anthony Albanese and Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at the nation’s largest mosque after the government banned an Islamist group following a recent massacre of Australian Jews.
The White House issued a stark warning to Iran this week, signaling that further military action is imminent if Tehran refuses to agree to terms aimed at ending the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and the Iranian regime.
Dutch authorities have foiled a planned attack on a building housing a synagogue and school in the western town of Heemstede, detaining two teenagers suspected of preparing an explosion or arson with terrorist intent, officials said.
Israel has carried out a rare and far-reaching military strike on Iran’s Caspian Sea port of Bandar Anzali, targeting a logistics hub used by Russia and Iran to transport weapons, according to the Wall Street Journal..