TOKYO — Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba launched his fight to keep the ruling coalition in power as campaigning for the July 20 upper house election began Thursday.

Ishiba, 68, has led a weakened Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) since its disastrous general election loss in October, leaving him at the helm of a minority government. Now his coalition with Komeito risks losing its upper house majority, with 125 of 248 seats up for grabs.

A loss could force Ishiba to resign, triggering a leadership contest within the LDP, said political analyst Toru Yoshida, though a “grand coalition” with the opposition CDP remains possible.

Voters are angry over surging inflation — rice prices have doubled — corruption scandals, and US tariffs hurting businesses. Opposition CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda vowed to topple Ishiba’s government, promising relief from inflation.

The LDP-Komeito bloc, currently holding 141 seats, must secure at least 50 this election to maintain control. Meanwhile, smaller parties like the DPP, pledging tax cuts, and the anti-immigration Sanseito, with its “Japanese First” slogan, are expected to make gains after successes in Tokyo’s assembly elections last month.