Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign, Japanese television reports

TOKYO -- Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his intention on Sunday to step down following growing calls from his party to take responsibility for its big loss in the July parliamentary election, Japanese television reported.

Ishiba, who took office in October, has resisted demands from mostly rightwing opponents within his own party for more than a month.

Ishiba’s move comes one day before his Liberal Democratic Party will decide whether to hold an early leadership election – a virtual no-confidence motion against him if approved.

In July, Ishiba ’s ruling coalition failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house in a crucial parliamentary election, further shaking the stability of his government.