Overview
- The Japan Innovation Party told the CDP and DPFP it is ending coordination for a joint PM bid, increasing the likelihood that LDP leader Sanae Takaichi secures the post next week.
- Executives from the LDP and Ishin reported “big progress” in coalition talks, with the LDP agreeing in principle to reduce Diet seats while leaving details and timing to be finalized.
- Ishin leader Hirofumi Yoshimura reiterated that a 10% cut in lawmakers and legislation by year-end is a nonnegotiable condition, warning that Ishin would back its co-leader Fumitake Fujita otherwise.
- Parliament will choose a new prime minister on Oct. 21, and an LDP–Ishin alignment would control about 231 lower-house seats, two short of a majority, yet runoff rules could still hand Takaichi the win.
- Takaichi sent an offering to Yasukuni Shrine during the autumn festival and did not visit in person as she navigates coalition building and regional sensitivities.