Japan’s prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, is expected to resign following a major electoral defeat that saw his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lose its coalition majority in the upper house. Ishiba, who has held office for less than a year, has struggled with waning public support and the rise of nationalist parties like Sanseito, which campaigned on a 'Japanese first' platform. The LDP has faced increasing pressure over issues such as inflation, a shrinking workforce, and growing immigration concerns - areas populist groups have capitalised on. Despite initially pledging to remain in office, Ishiba is now consulting former prime ministers about his future. He is also pursuing a controversial $550 billion trade deal with the United States that would lower tariffs on Japanese goods in exchange for greater U.S. market access. While the proposed deal has economic significance, Ishiba’s political fate appears sealed. Observers warn that the shifting political landscape could steer Japan towards more nationalist policies if moderate leadership continues to weaken. see