Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, stepping down after his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered rare defeats in both the lower house and upper house elections. The back-to-back losses triggered mounting pressure within the party, forcing Ishiba to quit ahead of an LDP leadership vote that could have acted as a no-confidence motion against him. Ishiba said his decision was aimed at preventing deeper divisions within the party and political gridlock in the country.

With Ishiba’s exit, the battle for his successor has already begun, with several key figures emerging as frontrunners. Among them is Sanae Takaichi, a conservative veteran who narrowly lost to Ishiba in last year’s LDP leadership race. Known for her hawkish stance on constitutional reforms and her tough position on economic policies, Takaichi is considered a strong contender. If elected, she would make history as Japan’s first female prime minister.

Another prominent name in the race is Shinjiro Koizumi, the 44-year-old son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. A rising star in Japanese politics, Koizumi has served as agriculture minister in Ishiba’s Cabinet and earlier as environment minister. Projecting himself as a reform-minded alternative, Koizumi would become the youngest modern-era prime minister of Japan if chosen.

Also in the running is Yoshimasa Hayashi, the current Chief Cabinet Secretary, who has previously served as foreign and defense minister. With broad experience across government portfolios, Hayashi is seen as a steady and experienced hand, appealing to party factions seeking stability after Ishiba’s turbulent tenure.

The LDP is expected to elect its new leader within days, and the winner will automatically take over as prime minister. The leadership contest is likely to set the tone for Japan’s domestic policies and foreign relations in the coming years, at a time when the country faces economic headwinds and regional security challenges.