June 07, 2026
Koizumi, the son of former premier Junichiro, has had some success this year in his task of curbing soaring prices of rice
He has announced his resignation within a year of assuming office as PM
Ishiba has overseen his ruling coalition lose its majorities in elections for both houses of parliament amid voter anger over rising living costs
Japan and South Korea share common ground on trade, with both agreeing to 15% tariffs on US imports of their goods
The 68-year old leader says media reports that he has already decided to resign are "completely unfounded”
Ishiba says he'll remain as prime minister, citing a looming tariff deadline with the United States set to strain the world's fourth largest economy
PM Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito returned 47 seats, short of the 50 seats it needed to ensure a majority in the upper chamber
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is projected to win 18 to 30 seats, from 22 held previously, NHK's exit poll shows
