Japan’s Ruling Coalition Projected 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 certain to lose its majority in the upper house, public broadcaster NHK announced on Monday after exit poll returns.

It’s a tough blow for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose party lost control of the more powerful lower house in October 2024. With the loss of the upper house, Ishiba faces an uncertain future.