Overview

• Komeito’s exit from the LDP-led coalition has left the government without a lower-house majority.
• The CDP, Japan Innovation Party and Democratic Party for the People are arranging an Oct. 14 meeting of their secretaries-general to unify a prime ministerial nominee.
• LDP secretary-general Shunichi Suzuki said he will work to ensure party chief Sanae Takaichi is designated prime minister and is arranging talks with the DPFP.
• At the Sharm el-Sheikh Gaza summit hosted by President Trump on Oct. 13, Japan was the only G7 country not represented by a leader, with Ambassador Fumio Iwai attending as government explanations pointed to domestic instability.
• South Korea announced a reorganization to revive inter-Korean dialogue by restoring Unification Ministry units and shrinking its human rights office.