Japan’s Minority Government Poised to Lose Control of Upper House: Exit Polls

The election is occurring against the backdrop of an imminent trade negotiation deadline with the United States.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, raises his fist from atop the campaigning bus on the last day of campaigning for the July 20 upper house election, in Tokyo on July 19, 2025. REUTERS/Manami Yamada

Japan’s ruling coalition is on course to lose its majority in the upper house, according to exit polls from the July 20 election.

After losing control of the more powerful lower house in October 2024, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces an uncertain future if final results show a loss for his coalition on the July 20 ballot. Additionally, the voting is taking place against an imminent Aug. 1 trade negotiation deadline with the United States.