Japan's Elections: Ishiba's Coalition Faces Crucial Test | JQJO

Japan held crucial upper house elections on Sunday, posing a significant challenge to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition. Public frustration over rising prices and the threat of US tariffs fueled a tight race. The LDP and Komeito need 50 seats to retain their majority, but polls suggest they might fall short. The populist Sanseito party, capitalizing on anti-globalization sentiment, gained traction. A coalition loss could trigger political instability and potentially even a change in leadership, echoing the 2009 government shift.