Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to resign by the end of August, following a significant defeat for his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito in Sunday's upper house election. This loss, which saw them fall three seats short of a majority, means the coalition now lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, a first for the LDP since its founding in 1955.

Voters, angered by rising inflation (including a doubling of rice prices) and lingering resentment over an LDP funding scandal, turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which gained 13 seats, increasing its representation from one to 14 in the 248-seat upper house.

Ishiba, who became the 10th LDP prime minister since 2000 (all men) in September after five attempts, reportedly communicated his decision to step down after striking a trade deal with the US, which reduced a threatened 25% tariff to 15%. His cabinet approval rating also fell to below 23%.