Overview
- LDP and the Japan Innovation Party began formal talks Thursday on a possible coalition, taking up JIP priorities such as a proposed “second capital” and social security reform, with another meeting planned Friday.
- Even with JIP support, the LDP would still be about two seats short of the 233 needed for a lower-house majority, and the lower house’s choice prevails if the chambers disagree on the premiership.
- Government and party sources are arranging a prime ministerial vote for Oct. 21, though a delay remains possible as strategies evolve, and Shigeru Ishiba remains in office until a successor is elected.
- Opposition leaders from the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Democratic Party for the People pursued a unified candidate—potentially Yuichiro Tamaki—but acknowledged gaps on defense and nuclear energy policies.
- Komeito’s departure ended a 26-year alliance with the LDP; Takaichi apologized to party lawmakers and urged unity while signaling flexibility to win cross-party cooperation.