Overview
- After losses in last October’s lower-house race and July’s upper-house contest, the LDP now lacks majorities in both Diet chambers for the first time.
- Komeito exited the coalition and the LDP is partnering with the Japan Innovation Party, heightening reliance on inter-party negotiations and potential bill revisions.
- Leaders have postponed drafting a new party vision even as the cabinet advances a “responsible active fiscal policy” focused on growth strategies and stronger defense.
- Recent surveys show the Takaichi cabinet’s approval in the 60–80% range while LDP party support remains around 30%.
- Former LDP vice president Tadamori Oshima urges trust-building and compromise with opposition forces and calls for stabilizing the tie-up with Japan Innovation, as reform pressures mount over money scandals, hereditary seats and the shortage of women lawmakers.