Overview

• The government is arranging a prime ministerial vote for Oct. 21, though sources say the timing could slip as parties jockey for support.
• Sanae Takaichi apologized to LDP lawmakers over the coalition rupture and urged a flexible policy stance, then held separate talks with CDP, DPP and JIP leaders to seek cooperation.
• Opposition chiefs met to explore a joint nominee, with Yuichiro Tamaki floated, yet they acknowledged gaps on defense policy and nuclear energy remain.
• Seat counts place the LDP at 196 and the three main opposition parties at about 210, with Komeito’s 24 seats potentially decisive in any first ballot or runoff.
• Komeito ended a 26‑year partnership with the LDP and has kept its options open, while some LDP figures have floated postponing the vote or even mounting a fresh party leadership contest.