Japanese PM’s coalition loses majority in upper house election

Shigeru Ishiba said it was a ‘tough situation’ and that he took it ‘humbly and sincerely’ (Franck Robichon, Pool Photo via AP)

Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition has failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house in a crucial parliamentary election, NHK public television said.

Mr Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito needed to win 50 seats on top of the 75 seats they already had to reach the goal. With just one more seat to be decided, the coalition had 47 seats.