Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged in a New Year’s message to make Japan strong and prosperous through necessary reforms tackling demographic, economic and security challenges.
- Takaichi’s cabinet retains approval ratings well above those of recent predecessors, reinforcing her political leverage within the ruling party.
- With traditional factions dissolved except for Taro Aso’s, LDP dissent has few organizing channels and members fear being labeled anti-Takaichi.
- The LDP General Council unanimously approved the initial 2026 budget, the largest general-account plan on record, despite concerns about fiscal discipline.
- Isolated pushback includes Shigeru Ishiba’s rebuke over Taiwan-related remarks following China’s backlash, a shelved bill to cut 45 lower-house seats after opposition protests, and coalition managers bracing for daily grilling when the regular Diet session opens Jan. 23.