21-07-2025

Japan's Ruling Party Loses Majority in Upper House

Date: 21-07-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1 | washingtonpost.com: 1
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Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image depicts a large crowd of Japanese people gathered together, likely at a public event or celebration. The majority of the individuals are standing and facing the same direction, with many raising their fists in the air and displaying enthusiastic expressions. Many members of the crowd are holding small Japanese flags, fans, or other items featuring the Japanese flag. The background of the image is blurred but appears to show a large number of people extending beyond the immediate foreground, with some holding small Japanese flags, fans, or other objects.

Summary

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, lost its majority in the upper house election, winning only 47 out of 248 seats. Despite the defeat, Ishiba vowed to stay on, citing the need to address pressing issues such as inflation and US tariffs. The election saw significant gains for right-wing populist parties, including Sanseito, which campaigned on a 'Japanese First' platform and won 14 seats.

Key Points

  • Ruling coalition lost majority in upper house election
  • Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vows to stay on despite defeat
  • Right-wing populist parties made significant gains, including Sanseito's 14 seats

Articles in this Cluster

Japan election: PM vows to stay on despite bruising election lossBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

Japan's ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, lost its majority in the upper house election, winning 47 out of 248 seats. Despite the defeat, Ishiba vowed to stay on, focusing on trade negotiations with the US. The loss is attributed to voter frustration over rising prices, US tariffs, and political scandals. The result may lead to a change in LDP leadership and potentially destabilize the government.
Entities: Shigeru Ishiba, Japan, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), United States, Shinzo AbeTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Japan’s Sanseito party: How did a group that began on YouTube win big in the upper house election? | CNNClose icon

Japan's Sanseito party, a right-wing populist group founded on YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic, won 14 seats in the upper house election, a significant increase from its previous single seat. The party's 'Japanese First' campaign resonated with voters frustrated with overtourism, foreign residents, stagnant wages, and high inflation. The success puts pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which lost its majority in both houses. Sanseito's platform includes stricter immigration controls, greater defense capabilities, and tax cuts. Critics label the party's ideology as xenophobic and discriminatory.
Entities: Japan, Sanseito party, YouTube, Sohei Kamiya, Shigeru IshibaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

In Japan, Anti-Establishment Parties Resonate With Young Voters - The New York Times

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a historic defeat in the parliamentary election, with two new far-right parties, the Democratic Party of the People and Sanseito, gaining significant traction among younger voters. The new parties' success is attributed to their appeal to younger voters frustrated with the political status quo, taxes, immigration, and gender equality. Analysts are divided on whether this represents a short-lived protest vote or a lasting political realignment. The LDP's leadership is under pressure to respond to the defeat and win back disaffected voters.
Entities: Japan, Liberal Democratic Party, Democratic Party of the People, Sanseito, Shinzo AbeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: analyze

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba vows to stay on despite losing upper house majority | Japan | The Guardian

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office despite his coalition losing its majority in the upper house in recent elections, where a right-wing populist party made significant gains. The election result puts pressure on Ishiba's minority government, particularly as it navigates critical tariff negotiations with the US. The far-right Sanseito party won 14 seats, campaigning on a 'Japanese first' platform and warnings about foreign influence. Ishiba's government faces challenges including rising consumer prices and a looming deadline to strike a trade deal with the US.
Entities: Shigeru Ishiba, Japan, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), United States, Sanseito partyTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Japan's Ishiba says he'll stay in office to tackle inflation and US tariffs despite election loss - The Washington Post

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided to remain in office despite his ruling coalition losing a majority in the upper house of parliament in a recent election. Ishiba cited the need to address pressing issues such as inflation and US tariffs, including a looming 25% tariff on Japanese goods set to take effect on August 1.
Entities: Shigeru Ishiba, Japan, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), United States, Donald TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform