Japan’s governing coalition faced a setback on Thursday when its junior partner, Komeito, decided to withdraw from the alliance, jeopardizing Sanae Takaichi’s ambition to become Japan’s first female prime minister. Takaichi assumed leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) less than a week ago and was anticipated to receive parliamentary approval as the premier this month.
The dissolution of the long-standing coalition between the LDP and Komeito, which has governed Japan for nearly 25 years, plunged the country into a new political turmoil. Tetsuo Saito, the head of Komeito, expressed the party’s stance by stating, “We urge the LDP-Komeito coalition to reconsider and terminate our partnership.” The decision was influenced by the perceived lack of cooperation from the LDP on Komeito’s demands, particularly concerning reforms and the recent slush fund scandal. Reports suggested that Saito found Takaichi’s responses regarding the scandal inadequate.
Despite the coalition’s dissolution, Komeito pledged to continue supporting the budget proposals and other legislative initiatives jointly planned by the two parties. Takaichi lamented the coalition’s collapse as “deeply regrettable” and criticized Komeito’s unilateral decision to exit the alliance.
Takaichi, set to succeed Shigeru Ishiba as the prime minister, faced challenges as Ishiba’s coalition lost its parliamentary majority due partly to public discontent over inflation and the LDP slush fund scandal. Political analysts, including Tomoaki Iwai from Nihon University, suggested that Takaichi could still secure the prime minister position if the opposition fails to unite behind a candidate. However, he cautioned that the government’s functioning would be precarious, relying heavily on external cooperation.
Komeito’s discontent with Takaichi’s conservative policies, such as her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, also played a role in the coalition’s breakdown. Takaichi, known for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher, faced criticism for her ties to the shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including war criminals. Speculation arose that Takaichi might skip visiting the shrine during the upcoming autumn festival amid escalating tensions.
Takaichi, aged 64, celebrated a “new era” following her victory in the LDP leadership contest against Shinjiro Koizumi, known for his charismatic and progressive stance.