Japanese P Mstaysontotacklehighinflationand U Stariffsdespiteakeyelectionloss- The Boston Globe

Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 0:44 GMT by The Boston Globe
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Ishiba's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito were short three seats to maintain a majority in the 248-seat upper house in Sunday's vote.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Vows to Remain in Office Despite Crushing Election Defeat

In a defiant move that has sent shockwaves through Japan's political landscape, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Monday that he intends to stay in his position despite his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffering a significant setback in the recent national elections. The announcement, made during a press conference in Tokyo, comes amid growing calls for his resignation and underscores the deepening divisions within Japan's ruling coalition. Ishiba, who has been at the helm since late 2024, framed his decision as a commitment to stability and continuity in the face of mounting domestic and international challenges.

The elections, held over the weekend, were for seats in Japan's House of Representatives, the lower house of the Diet. The LDP, which has dominated Japanese politics for much of the post-war era, failed to secure a majority on its own for the first time in over a decade. Preliminary results showed the party winning only 191 seats out of 465, a sharp decline from its previous holdings. Even with the support of its coalition partner, Komeito, the ruling bloc fell short of the 233 seats needed for a simple majority, forcing Ishiba to potentially rely on ad-hoc alliances or opposition defections to pass legislation. The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) emerged as the biggest winner, capturing around 148 seats, while smaller parties like the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People also made notable gains.

Analysts attribute the LDP's poor performance to a confluence of factors. Economic stagnation has been a persistent issue under Ishiba's tenure, with inflation hovering above targets and wage growth failing to keep pace. The prime minister's push for tax hikes to fund increased defense spending has been particularly unpopular, especially among younger voters and rural constituencies that form the LDP's traditional base. Additionally, a series of scandals involving LDP lawmakers—ranging from campaign finance irregularities to allegations of ties with controversial religious groups—eroded public trust. Ishiba himself has faced criticism for his handling of the ongoing recovery from natural disasters, including the aftermath of a major earthquake in western Japan earlier this year, which displaced thousands and highlighted inadequacies in emergency response systems.

During his press conference, Ishiba struck a resolute tone, emphasizing that stepping down would only exacerbate Japan's vulnerabilities at a time of geopolitical uncertainty. "The people have spoken, and I hear their message clearly," he said. "But abandoning ship now would leave our nation adrift in turbulent waters. I will work tirelessly to regain the trust of the electorate and deliver on our promises for a stronger, more secure Japan." He outlined plans to form a new cabinet within days, potentially including figures from outside the LDP to broaden appeal, and pledged immediate action on economic relief measures, such as subsidies for households struggling with rising energy costs. Ishiba also reiterated his commitment to bolstering Japan's military capabilities in response to threats from China and North Korea, aligning with the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Reactions to Ishiba's decision have been swift and polarized. Within the LDP, faction leaders expressed mixed sentiments. Supporters, including Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, praised Ishiba's resolve, arguing that a leadership vacuum could invite further instability. However, critics like former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga hinted at internal dissent, suggesting that the party might push for a no-confidence vote if Ishiba cannot stabilize the government. Opposition leaders were more vocal in their condemnation. CDPJ head Kenta Izumi called the announcement "arrogant and out of touch," demanding that Ishiba dissolve the Diet and call for snap elections to truly reflect the public's will. Public opinion polls conducted immediately after the results showed approval ratings for Ishiba dipping below 30%, with many respondents expressing frustration over what they perceive as the LDP's entitlement to power.

The broader implications of this electoral upset extend beyond domestic politics. Japan, as Asia's second-largest economy and a key U.S. ally, faces pressing external pressures. Ishiba's administration has prioritized strengthening ties with Washington, particularly in countering China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The election loss could complicate these efforts, as a weakened government might struggle to push through ambitious defense reforms, such as increasing military spending to 2% of GDP by 2027. Economists warn that political gridlock could delay much-needed stimulus packages, potentially slowing Japan's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbating demographic challenges like an aging population and labor shortages.

Historically, Ishiba's decision echoes past instances where Japanese prime ministers clung to power after electoral defeats, only to face eventual ousting. For instance, in 2009, the LDP lost power entirely after a similar drubbing, leading to a brief period of opposition rule. Ishiba, a veteran politician known for his expertise in defense and agriculture, rose to prominence after winning the LDP leadership contest in September 2024, succeeding Fumio Kishida amid party scandals. His platform emphasized rural revitalization and national security, but critics argue he has been too focused on long-term visions at the expense of immediate public needs.

Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be critical. Ishiba must navigate coalition negotiations, possibly courting centrist parties to secure a working majority. Failure to do so could result in legislative paralysis, affecting everything from budget approvals to foreign policy initiatives. International observers, including those in the Biden administration (assuming continuity into 2025), are watching closely, as Japan's stability is vital to regional security architectures like the Quad alliance with the U.S., India, and Australia.

In the streets of Tokyo and other major cities, protests have already begun, with demonstrators calling for fresh leadership and greater accountability. Social media is abuzz with debates over whether Ishiba's stubbornness represents resilience or hubris. As Japan grapples with this political crossroads, the prime minister's gamble to stay the course could either redeem his legacy or accelerate the LDP's decline, reshaping the nation's governance for years to come.

This turn of events highlights the evolving dynamics in Japanese democracy, where voter apathy has given way to a more engaged electorate demanding change. Ishiba's path forward will test not only his political acumen but also the resilience of Japan's longstanding power structures in an era of global uncertainty. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Boston Globe Article at:
[ https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/21/world/japan-shigeru-ishiba-stay-on-election-loss/ ]