Ishiba's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito were short three seats to maintain a majority in the 248-seat upper house in Sunday's vote.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's coalition failed to secure a majority in the upper house elections, winning only 47 seats. This defeat leaves Ishiba's government in the minority and prompts concerns over potential political turmoil ahead of critical U.

This means that Ishiba no longer has easy control over the upper or lower houses of parliament; last October, the LDP lost control of the more powerful lower chamber, marking a major upset for a party that has ruled Japan for most of its post-World War II history.