Japan's ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito, has lost its majority in the Upper House following the 27th House of Councillors election held on July 20, 2025. Exit polls and media projections, including those from public broadcaster NHK and multiple Japanese news outlets, indicated that the coalition secured only 47 of the 50 seats needed to maintain a majority, marking the first time since 1955 that the LDP has been in the minority in both chambers of parliament. The election outcome reflects voter frustration over rising inflation, immigration policies, and economic challenges, and is expected to complicate fiscal policy, tax cuts, and ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, with a key tariff deadline approaching on August 1. Despite the electoral setback and internal party deliberations, Ishiba initially vowed to remain in office to address these pressing issues and avoid political paralysis. However, reports emerged on July 23 that Ishiba intends to announce his resignation by the end of August, a decision reportedly made to take responsibility for the coalition's losses. Ishiba has publicly denied these resignation reports, emphasizing the need to prevent a political vacuum and continuing to assert his commitment to remain in office. The political uncertainty follows a previous loss of the coalition's majority in the more powerful Lower House in an election last autumn, placing Ishiba in a precarious position as Japan faces economic and diplomatic challenges.