Overview

• Komeito convened its central leadership on Oct. 9 and set renewed negotiations with LDP chief Sanae Takaichi after Oct. 10 to determine whether to continue the coalition.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, nearing resignation, held a farewell dinner with cabinet ministers on Oct. 8 and personally thanked them for their service.
• The Kansai region’s doctor‑helicopter service remains suspended due to a shortage of maintenance technicians, and Shiga Governor Daisaku Mikazuki asked Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to consider dispatching personnel.
• Hokkaido’s Maruni Nagamitsu Suisan received an Asahikawa District Court decision on Sept. 30 to commence civil rehabilitation, carrying about ¥27.66 billion in debt and continuing operations during restructuring.
• Local civic life continues, with Hakodate’s Kōsetsuen launching nighttime foliage illumination on Oct. 17 and Sapporo Central Post Office exhibiting 48 letters sent to Santa at the end of 2024.