Overview
- Parties are gearing for a potential 2026 House of Representatives vote that observers expect only after the fiscal 2026 budget passes.
- In Okinawa’s four single-seat districts, the All Okinawa bloc and the ruling LDP are set for direct contests, with Ishin, Reiwa, and Sanseito preparing their own candidates.
- Tamaki voiced a positive stance on seeking a third term, highlighting next‑generation transport planning and renewed opposition to the Henoko base relocation as central issues.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of heavy snow in Tohoku through January 1, citing risks to transport, avalanches, and falling snow, with forecast totals up to 70 cm in mountain areas.
- On the second anniversary of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura detailed ongoing support efforts involving roughly 6,000 personnel, as commentary urged wider adoption of pre‑disaster preparedness.