Japan’s shaky government loses upper house majority

Japan’s ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, lost control of the upper house in Sunday’s election, intensifying pressure on the embattled leader despite his vow to remain party head. Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito secured 47 seats—three short of the 50 needed for a majority in the 248-seat chamber—following their worst showing in 15 years in October’s lower house vote. This leaves Ishiba vulnerable to no-confidence motions and internal calls for leadership change, though he emphasized the importance of focusing on critical trade negotiations with the United States and intends to stay on.

The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party gained 22 seats, capitalizing on voter frustration over rising consumer prices and the LDP’s opposition to consumption tax cuts. Analysts expect the ruling coalition will need to compromise with opposition parties to pass legislation, potentially expanding Japan’s budget and unsettling investors concerned about the country’s large debt.

Meanwhile, the far-right Sanseito party made a significant breakthrough by winning 14 seats. Known for its “Japanese First” campaign, Sanseito advocates strict immigration controls, rejects globalism and certain social policies, and questions decarbonization and vaccine measures. Their rise reflects growing nationalist sentiments in Japan, which is grappling with demographic challenges amid a record foreign-born population of 3.8 million.

Credit: CGTN