Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has indicated he will resign, responding to mounting pressure from within his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) following a major electoral setback in July, according to Japan’s NHK public broadcaster.

Ishiba, who assumed office last October, had resisted stepping down despite persistent demands from conservative factions in his party. However, he has now chosen to leave in an effort to prevent further division within the LDP, NHK reported.

His decision comes just a day before the party is scheduled to decide whether to hold an early leadership election—widely seen as a de facto vote of no-confidence in his leadership.

Ishiba is expected to formally announce his resignation at a press conference later on Sunday.

The July upper house election dealt a significant blow to Ishiba’s coalition, which failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat chamber, intensifying concerns over his administration’s stability.

Sources suggest that his resignation followed a meeting on Saturday with Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, a close advisor, both of whom reportedly urged him to step aside before Monday’s party decision.

Despite previously emphasizing the need to maintain political continuity amid ongoing economic challenges—including U.S. trade tensions, inflation, and agricultural reforms—Ishiba has now decided to relinquish his role.

Calls for his resignation gained momentum after the LDP’s internal review of the election loss last week, which recommended sweeping reforms and hinted at leadership change as a necessary step forward.