Komeito quits coalition, leaving Takaichi’s PM confirmation in doubt
Komeito abruptly withdrew from its 26‑year coalition with the LDP over political‑funding issues, with party leader Tetsuo Saito saying it will not support new LDP leader Sanae Takaichi for prime minister — a move that leaves her confirmation in doubt and briefly sent the yen firmer. Takaichi, elected party leader and poised to be Japan’s first female prime minister, is a conservative hardliner — a China‑hawk and history revisionist who visits Yasukuni Shrine, supports male‑only imperial succession, opposes same‑sex marriage, and favors tougher immigration and a stronger military — and has vowed to “abandon the word ‘work‑life balance’” (urging lawmakers to “work like a horse”), pledged more female ministers while signaling loyalty to party heavyweights, and said she would strengthen the U.S. alliance.
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📌 Key Facts
- Komeito withdrew from its 26-year governing coalition with the LDP over political-funding issues, saying public trust in politics has been severely damaged.
- Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito said the party will not support LDP leader Sanae Takaichi as prime minister and expressed “big worry and concern,” leaving her confirmation in doubt.
- Sanae Takaichi, 64, was elected leader of the ruling LDP and is widely described as a conservative hardliner: a China‑hawk and history revisionist who regularly visits Yasukuni Shrine, supports male‑only imperial succession, opposes same‑sex marriage, and backs tougher immigration and a stronger military.
- Takaichi vowed to “drastically increase” the number of female ministers but also signaled loyalty to party heavyweights, raising questions about how she will balance gender‑advancement rhetoric with party dynamics.
- Takaichi drew attention for saying “I will abandon the word ‘work‑life balance.’ I will work, work, work and work,” and urging lawmakers to “work like a horse,” a remark that trended on social media.
- She pledged to strengthen the Japan‑U.S. alliance and to honor existing tariffs and investment agreements with the Trump administration; U.S. President Donald Trump posted a congratulatory message on Truth Social.
- Markets reacted modestly to the political turmoil: the yen briefly strengthened to 152.41 per dollar before trading around 152.78.
📰 Sources (5)
Japan’s Komeito Party Withdraws From Ruling Coalition
New information:
- Komeito ended its 26‑year governing coalition with the LDP over political‑funding issues.
- Party leader Tetsuo Saito said Komeito will not support LDP leader Sanae Takaichi as prime minister.
- Saito said public trust in politics has been severely damaged, citing election losses.
- The yen briefly strengthened to 152.41 per dollar before trading around 152.78.
Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan's first-ever female prime minister
New information:
- Direct quote from U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social congratulating Takaichi.
- Article quotes Takaichi vowing to strengthen the Japan‑U.S. alliance and to honor existing tariffs and investment agreements with the Trump administration (linking her agenda to immediate U.S. policy interactions).
- Reiterates coalition friction with Komeito and cites a statement by Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito expressing 'big worry and concern'—underscoring near‑term coalition uncertainty.
Conservative hardliner Sanae Takaichi elected to lead Japan's ruling party
New information:
- Direct quote from Takaichi: "I will abandon the word 'work‑life balance.' I will work, work, work and work."
- She called on party lawmakers to "work like a horse," a phrase that trended on social media per the report.
- Article reiterates and details policy positions including support for a stronger military, backing male‑only imperial succession, opposition to same‑sex marriage and a record of visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
Sanae Takaichi elected as new leader of Japan’s ruling party, likely to become 1st female PM
New information:
- Direct quote from Takaichi: she will "abandon the word 'work‑life balance'" and urged lawmakers to "work like a horse," a remark that trended on social media.
- Policy and biographical specifics: Takaichi, 64, is a known China‑hawk and history revisionist who regularly visits Yasukuni Shrine; she supports male‑only imperial succession, opposes same‑sex marriage, and backs tougher immigration and stronger military policies.
- She pledged to "drastically increase" female ministers but signaled loyalty to party heavyweights, raising questions about how she will balance gender‑advancement rhetoric with party dynamics.