Japan’s ruling coalition lost its upper house majority after securing only 47 seats in Sunday’s election, falling short of the 50 needed for control. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to stay in office despite the defeat, calling it a ‘harsh result’ he ‘solemnly accepts’ while prioritizing ongoing US trade negotiations. This follows the coalition’s loss of the lower house majority last year, significantly weakening their influence amid voter anger over rising living costs and tariff threats. The right-wing Sanseito party gained 14 seats by leveraging anti-immigration rhetoric, drawing conservative voters away from Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party. Analysts note the last three LDP leaders resigned after similar losses, but Ishiba defied expectations by insisting he will remain.