Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday said he intends to remain in office, despite his ruling coalition losing its majority in the upper house in weekend elections.

Access24 News recalls that Ishiba’s long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party, LDP, and its junior coalition partner Komeito secured 47 seats, falling short of the 50 needed to retain control of the chamber.

The coalition had already lost its majority in the more powerful lower house back in October.

Ishiba acknowledged the “harsh verdict” delivered by voters on Sunday but stated he would not step down, according to local media reports.

Speaking at a press conference, the prime minister admitted the situation was “thorny” but ruled out expanding the coalition.

This marks the first time since its founding in 1955 that the LDP has lost its majority in both houses of parliament, dealing a historic blow to a party that has governed almost continuously for decades.

Without a majority, Ishiba’s coalition will now have to rely on support from outside parties to continue governing.

The prime minister could face mounting pressure from within the LDP to resign.

Public dissatisfaction over rising prices and the government’s immigration policy played a key role in the election outcome, according to pre-election polls. These concerns boosted support for smaller right-wing populist parties such as the openly xenophobic Sanseitō party, which won 14 seats.