Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house in a crucial parliamentary election, Japan’s NHK public television said Monday.

If the current ruling party loses its majority, the country’s waters could become uncharted at a critical time.

Japanese voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the "Japanese first" Sanseito, which made strong gains with its "anti-globalist" drive reminiscent of US President Donald Trump's agenda.