'Incumbent Minister Who Lost in Japan General Election Submits Resignation... Coalition Ruling Party Leader Also to Resign'

In the Japanese House of Representatives election (general election), the leader of the coalition ruling party Komeito and incumbent ministers who lost their seats due to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's 'slush fund scandal' and the resulting calls for regime judgment have consecutively expressed their intention to resign.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun, Yasuhiko Ozato, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who lost in this general election, submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 29th. Minister Ozato told reporters at the Prime Minister's residence, "Since I lost as a member of the Diet, I believe I cannot fulfill the role of a minister." Regarding the timing of his resignation, he added, "I want to respond in a way that does not cause trouble. The Prime Minister will make the decision."

Hideki Makihara, Minister of Justice, who also lost, said, "Personnel decisions are made by the Prime Minister," and added, "I will continue to perform my duties for the time being." It is the first time since the 2016 House of Councillors (upper house) election that an incumbent minister has lost. The previous day, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that he would promptly and appropriately decide the successors of Minister Ozato and Minister Makihara, who lost their seats.

Komeito leader Keiichi Ishii also said at a press conference the previous day, "It is a very regrettable result," and added, "We lacked the capability to overcome the backlash from the (Liberal Democratic Party's slush fund) scandal." Although he did not clearly state his position as leader, Asahi Shimbun reported that he hinted at his intention to resign, saying, "I think there will be many difficulties if I am not a member of the Diet." Ishii, who took office as Komeito leader last month, had been active as a proportional representation member but ran in Saitama 14th district in the metropolitan area and was defeated by a candidate from the Democratic Party for the People.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government and ruling party have decided to convene a special Diet session on the 11th of next month to designate the next Prime Minister. The special Diet session is convened within one month after the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the general election, during which the Prime Minister is designated and standing committees are newly formed. Prime Minister Ishiba of the Liberal Democratic Party, who took office on the 1st of this month, and Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, are both aiming for the Prime Minister position.