ISTANBUL

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba rejected renewed calls to resign on Friday, following his ruling coalition's loss of the upper house majority in the July 20 election.

Ishiba responded to pressure during a joint plenary meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito by saying he must fulfill his "responsibility to the country," according to Kyodo News.

The high-level meeting brought together lawmakers from both houses to discuss the aftermath of the defeat.

The coalition lost control of the lower house last year, putting additional political pressure on Ishiba.

After the roughly two-hour meeting, the premier told reporters that he would take the comments of fellow party members “seriously.”

Although the joint meeting lacks the authority to remove the party's leadership, an election for leadership can be called mid-term if a majority of lawmakers and local chapter executives agree.

LDP officials said the party may consider holding an internal presidential election before the scheduled 2027 vote, a rare move.

Asked about the possibility of an early contest for the party presidency, which he currently holds, Ishiba said: “All I can say is that it will be handled properly in line with the party rules.”