Mr Ishiba has been under growing pressure to step down as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, lost their majority in the 248-member upper house, the smaller and less powerful of Japan's two-chamber parliament on Sunday, shaking his grip on power and Japan's political stability.

The embattled prime minister said he would remain in office to oversee tariff talks with the United States and other pressing matters.

Progress in relations between China and Japan could lose some steam if embattled Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba steps down following a crushing electoral loss. Ishiba, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has come under intense pressure since the ruling coalition’s defeat in upper house elections on Sunday.

President Donald Trump on Sunday escalated his call for the Washington Commanders to change their name back to the “Redskins,” threatening to restrict the NFL team’s stadium deal if they don’t, though it’s unclear how he would be able to.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on July 23 said there was no discussion about whether he would stay in office or resign during a meeting held t･･･

As rumours swirl of Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation, a leadership contest now looms that risks tearing the Liberal Democratic Party apart.