Ishiba's weakened mandate complicates US trade and defense plans: analysts
KEN MORIYASU
WASHINGTON -- The U.S.-Japan alliance has entered a period of uncertainty, American think tank analysts say, after Sunday's upper house Diet election resulted in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party having lost its majority in both legislative chambers for the first time since its founding in 1955.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, after losing two consecutive national elections, faces heavy criticism from LDP lawmakers over his decision to continue as Japan's leader. Complicating the matter further is that opposition parties have not offered clear strategies for dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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