Benoit Hardy-Chartrand, Faculty Lecturer at Temple University Japan, spoke to CGTN Europe, describing the election as a significant setback for Prime Minister Ishiba, marking his second major political loss in less than a year.
He noted that the results reflect deep public dissatisfaction, driven by stagnant wages, rising inflation, and frustration over the government’s handling of trade negotiations with the United States.
Hardy-Chartrand added that the outcome is likely to further weaken Ishiba’s position in upcoming talks with Washington, making the negotiation process considerably more difficult.