Wed Jul 23 07:28:48 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite, aiming for a neutral tone and focusing on the key events:
**Summary:**
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering resigning following a significant defeat of his ruling coalition in upper house elections. The loss of their majority in both houses of Parliament has weakened his government. Pressure to resign intensified despite his initial intention to stay on to address challenges like tariff talks with the U.S. He recently finalized a tariff deal with the U.S., reducing the tax on Japanese goods to 15%. Voters, particularly younger generations, have expressed dissatisfaction with price increases outpacing wage growth, leading to increased support for opposition parties. Ishiba will make a decision on his resignation after a careful study of the tariff deal.
**News Article Rewrite:**
**Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Contemplates Resignation After Election Setback**
**Tokyo, July 23, 2025 (AP)** – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is weighing his options, including potential resignation, following a historic defeat for his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito in Sunday’s upper house elections. The coalition lost its majority in the upper house, mirroring a previous loss in the lower house, effectively crippling the government’s ability to enact policy.
The election results have sparked intense pressure on Ishiba to step down. While he initially stated his intention to remain in office to address pressing issues, including trade negotiations with the United States, calls for his resignation have grown louder.
A key factor in his decision-making process is the recently concluded tariff agreement with the U.S. The deal, which places a 15% tax on Japanese cars and other goods imported into the U.S., was hailed by Ishiba as a result of tough negotiations to protect national interests. He declined to comment on his future, stating he needs to closely examine the trade deal first.
The election results signal a shift in voter sentiment. Discontent over rising prices outpacing wage increases, particularly among younger voters feeling overlooked by the ruling government’s policies, fueled a surge in support for emerging conservative and right-wing populist parties like the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito.
While opposition parties have not expressed interest in forming a formal alliance with the ruling coalition, they have indicated a willingness to cooperate on specific policy matters.
Japanese media reports suggest Ishiba is expected to announce his plans to step down in August. A final decision is expected to be made in short order once he has reviewed the newly struck trade deal.
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