Takaichi’s bid for Japan’s premiership jolted as Komeito quits ruling coalition, NHK reports
Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends the press conference after the LDP presidential election held in Tokyo on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Yuichi Yamazaki | Pool Photo via AP
Japan’s Komeito political party has reportedly left the ruling coalition led by the country’s public broadcaster, the Liberal Democratic Party. NHK said Friday.
According to the report, Komeito Chief Representative Tetsuo Saito said after meeting with LDP Chairman Sanae Takaichi that the LDP “failed to provide adequate answers regarding political financing issues.”
If approved, the split would end the political alliance that has existed since 1999. This comes just days before a parliamentary vote on October 15 to elect Japan’s next prime minister.
Nikkei previously reported It was said on Friday that Komeito had reservations about the alliance and that the appointment of Takaichi as Japan’s next prime minister would be postponed until at least October 20.
Takaichi won the LDP leadership race on October 4, defeating agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi, becoming the first woman to lead the party and potentially Japan’s first female prime minister.
Despite winning, the LDP does not have a majority in Japan’s Lower House. The LDP and Komeito currently hold 215 seats in the 465-seat parliament, fewer than the 233 seats needed for a majority.
Komeito’s departure would leave the LDP with 191 seats, but the LDP is still the largest party in the Lower House.
—This is breaking news, please check back for updates.
