Upper House majority remains the key target for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party as leadership changes loom. Party leaders now explore cooperation with independent lawmakers to secure the crucial three seats needed for control.
Currently, the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito hold 121 of 248 seats. To regain an Upper House majority, they must win backing from at least three of nine unaffiliated members in the chamber.
LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama met with Takahiro Anno, leader of the small Team Mirai party, on August 28. Anno also held discussions with Digital Minister Masaaki Taira and LDP parliamentary affairs chief Tetsushi Sakamoto.
Anno, an AI engineer and first-time lawmaker, said collaboration is essential. He emphasized that his group cannot move forward alone. While he ruled out joining the LDP for now, talks highlighted common ground on political reforms.
Anno designed a system for transparent electronic political fund tracking. This aligns with the LDP’s push for accountability after last year’s funding scandal. His single seat offers limited influence, but coalition membership could grant him rights to question the prime minister.
However, even with Anno’s cooperation, the LDP still needs two more seats. Other independents remain under consideration, including Yoshio Mochizuki from Wakayama Prefecture and Sachiko Hirayama from Shizuoka Prefecture. Both have past ties with LDP figures and could play a role.
Yet challenges accompany these efforts. If independents with past rivalries join, the LDP may need to withdraw its own candidates. Political analysts warn this would require significant concessions, especially by the secretary-general.
Therefore, the ruling party faces a delicate balancing act. It must weigh short-term gains against possible long-term headaches. Negotiations may involve trade-offs that complicate election strategies in several districts.
Analysts note the LDP will likely continue pursuing deals with independents and opposition lawmakers. While leadership shifts may change tactics, the overall strategy of negotiation and compromise remains critical.
Upper House majority ambitions show the LDP’s determination to secure stability. But experts caution it could take years before the party regains dominance in both chambers.
