Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to resign following his party’s poor performance in recent elections, local media reported on Sunday.
Broadcasters, including NHK, said Ishiba had informed allies of his decision after weeks of resisting pressure from rivals within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
His move comes ahead of a crucial party meeting that is expected to push for an early leadership contest.
Ishiba, who became Prime Minister in October last year, has struggled to stabilise his administration. In July, the LDP-led coalition failed to win a majority in the 248-seat upper house, compounding earlier defeats in the lower chamber and leaving the government weakened in parliament.
Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi are tipped as the frontrunners to replace him. While Takaichi appeals to fiscal conservatives, Koizumi enjoys strong backing from his family’s political dynasty.
Analysts say Ishiba’s position collapsed under the weight of voter anger over rising living costs and divisions within the LDP. “Given the political pressure mounting on Ishiba after the LDP’s repeated election losses, his resignation was inevitable,” said Kazutaka Maeda of the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute.
The development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order lowering tariffs on Japanese car imports. Tokyo has insisted the deal is not final.
Although the Prime Minister’s Office has not yet confirmed his resignation, officials said Ishiba is expected to address the media later on Sunday.
