Japan was thrown into political uncertainty on Friday after the collapse of its long-standing ruling coalition, as the Komeito party announced its withdrawal from its 25-year alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party.
The dramatic move has dealt a major blow to newly elected LDP leader Sanae Takaichi, who was expected to become Japan’s first female prime minister later this month. Instead, her path to power now hangs in the balance.
Komeito’s leader, Tetsuo Saito, announced the party’s decision following tense talks with LDP executives, citing a lack of concrete cooperation from Takaichi’s camp. “We want the LDP-Komeito coalition to go back to the drawing board and end our relationship for now,” Saito told reporters.
He specifically criticised Takaichi’s unsatisfactory response to the LDP’s ongoing slush fund scandal, which has further eroded public trust in Japan’s ruling establishment. “If these reforms prove impossible to achieve, it would be utterly impossible for us to write Sanae Takaichi’s name in the nomination,” Saito said.
The market reacted swiftly, with the yen weakening against the dollar and the Nikkei index closing one percent lower following the announcement.
Takaichi, 64, had only recently succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority amid voter frustration over inflation and corruption.
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Seen as a protégé of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s leadership has faced scrutiny for her conservative views, including past visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan’s war dead — among them convicted war criminals.
Her position on the shrine has long drawn condemnation from China and South Korea, and reports suggest she may skip attending this year’s autumn festival to avoid further diplomatic tension.
Despite the political turbulence, Komeito said it would continue supporting ongoing budget and legislative plans already prepared with the LDP.
Still, analysts warn that the split marks a significant realignment in Japanese politics, with the LDP’s dominance increasingly challenged by smaller parties such as the right-leaning Sanseito.
If Takaichi ultimately assumes office, she will face monumental challenges — an ageing population, economic stagnation, and geopolitical strains in East Asia. One of her first major tasks as premier would be welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Japan later this month.
As Japan braces for renewed political manoeuvring, the nation’s hopes for its first female leader — and the stability of its government — remain deeply uncertain.
Punch
