Overview

• Tetsuo Saito signaled Komeito may withhold its votes for Sanae Takaichi in the Diet’s prime minister ballot if no coalition agreement is reached.
• Talks identified the LDP’s political funds scandal as the main sticking point, with Komeito pressing for tighter rules on corporate and organizational donations.
• After a 90‑minute meeting, both sides reported some shared understanding on concerns tied to Yasukuni and policies toward foreigners, and multiple outlets reported Takaichi is considering skipping a Yasukuni visit during the Oct. 17–19 festival.
• Without Komeito, the LDP falls short by 37 seats in the Lower House and 25 in the Upper House, and Kyodo reported the confirmation vote will likely slip to the week of Oct. 20.
• Takaichi has courted potential partners such as the DPP and Ishin, but DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki downplayed forming a coalition, and her appointment of Koichi Hagiuda has heightened sensitivity over the funding issue.