Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced he will resign after serving less than a year in office, marking a sudden political shift in the country’s leadership.

Ishiba said he made the decision following a loss of majority in both houses of parliament, weakening his government’s ability to govern effectively.

“I have decided to resign from the position of President of the Liberal Democratic Party,” Ishiba stated, referring to Japan’s ruling party, which has dominated the nation’s politics for decades.

His resignation opens the door for new leadership within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which will now face the task of selecting his successor and stabilizing Japan’s political direction.

The development comes at a sensitive time as Japan navigates economic challenges, regional security concerns, and its role in global diplomacy.