The LDP lost its majority in the lower house when Ishiba called a snap general election last October. The LDP has not been in a minority position in both houses simultaneously since its foundation in 1955.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba promised to stay in office as US trade talks loom. At the same time, an openly xenophobic far-right party made major gains in the country's upper house election. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition has failed to secure a majority in Sunday's election for the 248-seat upper house of parliament,