Komeito exits coalition; Takaichi’s path to premiership faces new hurdle
After an LDP leadership vote on Oct. 4, 2025 that reflected about 295 LDP parliamentarians and roughly 1 million party members, Sanae Takaichi was elected party leader and is poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister, with a parliamentary confirmation expected in mid‑October and a possible late‑October APEC summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on the calendar. But coalition partner Komeito abruptly withdrew after 26 years — leader Tetsuo Saito cited political‑funding scandals and damaged public trust and said it will not back Takaichi’s appointment — a development that briefly strengthened USD/JPY.
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📌 Key Facts
- Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of the LDP on Oct. 4, 2025 in a contest that involved 295 LDP parliamentarians and rules reflecting about 1 million dues‑paying members.
- A parliamentary confirmation vote to appoint the new prime minister was expected in mid‑October 2025.
- Komeito withdrew from the ruling coalition after 26 years and announced it will not support Takaichi’s appointment as prime minister.
- Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito cited political‑funding scandals and damaged public trust as the reason for the party's withdrawal.
- Takaichi has said reinforcing the U.S.–Japan alliance is a priority, with a likely late‑October summit window around the APEC meeting (Oct. 31, 2025) with President Trump noted in reports.
- Financial markets reacted to the announcement: USD/JPY briefly strengthened following Komeito’s exit.
📰 Sources (3)
Japan’s Komeito Party Withdraws From Ruling Coalition
New information:
- Komeito has exited the LDP coalition after 26 years.
- Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito cited political‑funding scandals and damaged public trust.
- Komeito will not support Takaichi’s appointment as prime minister.
- USD/JPY briefly strengthened on the announcement.
Japan's ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi as new leader, likely first female PM
New information:
- CBS reports the LDP leadership vote occurred on Oct. 4, 2025 and that a parliamentary confirmation vote is expected in mid‑October.
- Article cites specific vote mechanics: 295 LDP parliamentarians participated and about 1 million dues‑paying members were reflected in the contest rules.
- Reports a likely late‑October summit planning window with President Donald Trump (APEC, Oct. 31, 2025) and quotes Takaichi prioritizing reinforcement of the Japan‑U.S. alliance.