Komeito faces a Komeito opposition challenge as it adjusts to life outside its former coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party. The LDP on Tuesday launched a new administration in partnership with the Japan Innovation Party.
The shift has created internal debate within Komeito. Some members argue for collaboration to achieve policy goals. Others resist LDP and JIP proposals, including plans to reduce the number of seats in the House of Representatives.
Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito emphasized the party’s dual responsibility. “An opposition party’s role is to monitor the government,” he said, adding that he aims to hold robust debates with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Simultaneously, he noted, “We want to realize our policy goals through collaboration with the ruling parties.”
A mid-ranked Komeito lawmaker expressed concern about the party’s diminished influence. “Losing the ability to demonstrate policy goals to our supporters is a bitter blow,” the lawmaker said.
Komeito formally notified the LDP of its decision to leave the coalition on October 10. The LDP then negotiated a new coalition with the JIP beginning October 15, accepting numerous JIP requests before finalizing the alliance.
Some points in the new LDP-JIP agreement conflict with Komeito’s priorities. The coalition aims to cut lower house seats by roughly 10 percent, raising fears that proportional representation seats will also decline. Komeito has historically relied on proportional representation races to secure legislative influence.
LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki acknowledged the challenge of cutting constituency seats. JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura suggested reducing proportional representation seats instead. A senior Komeito member described this as “harassment against Komeito.”
Additionally, the agreement cancels a proposed ¥20,000 per person cash handout. Komeito had repeatedly requested its implementation. While the party has not closed the door on future coalitions with the LDP, some members voiced distrust. “The LDP has made decisions which will make it difficult for us to reenter a coalition with it,” one said.
The Komeito opposition challenge underscores the party’s delicate position in Japan’s evolving political landscape. It must balance monitoring the government while preserving influence over key policy priorities.
