Asian shares climbed after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation, with Japan’s benchmark showing a notable uptick. The region’s markets appeared optimistic, suggesting investor confidence remained strong despite the political shift.
Asian shares rise after Japan’s prime minister resigns

Key Takeaways:
- Japan’s prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, stepped down.
- Asian shares mostly rallied on the news.
- Japan’s benchmark index led the regional gains.
- The resignation was seen as the primary catalyst for market moves.
- The original reporting was published by ABC News on September 8, 2025.
The Market Reaction
Asian shares turned mostly higher in a swift response to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s announcement that he would be stepping down. Investors signaled confidence in the resilience of the market, with many seeing the news as an opportunity for potential changes in Japan’s economic policy landscape.
Japan’s Benchmark Leads
Japan’s leading stock index was among the top performers in the region, rising soon after the prime minister’s decision became public. Some analysts observed that the announcement injected a dash of speculation into trading, as market participants began to weigh the possibility of new policy priorities under future leadership.
Political Fallout Meets Investor Optimism
Although the political repercussions of the resignation are still unfolding, initial sentiment among investors remained generally positive. While details about the prime minister’s departure are limited in the original report, the decisive move appears to have alleviated short-term uncertainties, at least for the markets.
Broader Regional Impact
Across Asia, stocks in various markets showed mostly higher results. The combination of Japan’s upward trend and steady investor appetite contributed to a generally constructive outlook. Observers noted that the prime minister’s exit could clarify Japan’s political direction, potentially influencing other economies within the region.
Looking Ahead
The immediate reaction to the leadership change in Tokyo underscores how political events can reverberate through financial markets. As future developments unfold, regional investors will be closely monitoring who takes over the prime minister’s position and how that may shape policies crucial to both Japan and broader Asian economies.