Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan announced his resignation following a resounding defeat in recent elections—deemed a significant blow to his leadership.

The results marked a pivotal setback for his party’s position and public confidence.

In his statement, Ishiba took personal responsibility for the losses and urged his party to regroup and reorganize ahead of upcoming legislative challenges.

His resignation sets the stage for a leadership contest within the ruling party, likely reshaping Japan’s political direction, Reuters has reported.

The resignation was framed by Reuters as a dramatic conclusion to a turbulent political chapter.