Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announces resignation
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on 7 September 2025 that he would resign as prime minister and as president of the Liberal Democratic Party, after his party's defeats in elections.
Summary
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on 7 September 2025 that he would step down as prime minister and as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba, 68, who took office in October 2024, faced growing calls within his party to take responsibility for a historic defeat in the July 2025 upper house election. He said he had waited until negotiations on US tariff measures were concluded before deciding to step aside. Ishiba asked the LDP to hold an extraordinary leadership election and said he would continue his duties until a successor was chosen; the new LDP leader would become prime minister after a vote in parliament.
Key facts
- Announced
- 7 Sep 2025
- Posts
- Prime Minister of Japan; LDP president
- In office since
- October 2024
- Trigger
- Election defeats incl. July 2025 upper house poll; party pressure
- Timing
- After US tariff negotiations concluded
- Next
- LDP extraordinary leadership election; parliament to elect PM
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which country's Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced his resignation on 7 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Japan
Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, announced his resignation on 7 September 2025.
Shigeru Ishiba resigned as president of which party in September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Liberal Democratic Party
Ishiba said he was stepping down as prime minister and as head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Before announcing his resignation in September 2025, Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba said he had waited for the conclusion of which negotiations?
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Correct answer: A — Negotiations on US tariff measures
Ishiba said he waited until negotiations on US tariff measures reached a conclusion before stepping aside.
Consider the following statements about Shigeru Ishiba's resignation announced on 7 September 2025: 1. It followed his party's historic defeat in the July 2025 upper house election. 2. Ishiba said he would continue his duties until a successor was chosen. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Reuters, AP and the BBC reported that Ishiba faced pressure after the July 2025 election defeat and said he would continue his duties until a successor was selected. Both statements are correct.