Japan’s top opposition parties were locked in intense negotiations on Tuesday, seeking to form a united front capable of taking power and preventing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from retaining the premiership. The high-stakes talks follow the dramatic collapse of the long-standing LDP–Komeito coalition, a political rupture that has plunged Japan into uncertainty and jeopardized Sanae Takaichi’s bid to become the country’s first woman prime minister.
The opposition discussions, scheduled for Tuesday evening, are aimed at identifying a single candidate to challenge the LDP’s nominee when lawmakers convene to vote for Japan’s next leader. If successful, the alliance could command enough seats in the 465-member lower house to outvote the LDP and its dwindling allies, effectively blocking Takaichi’s ascension.
Yuichiro Tamaki, president of the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), confirmed that the secretaries general of the three main opposition parties — the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), and the DPP — would meet to discuss the formation of a potential coalition government.
“The talks will focus on whether we can achieve policy alignment that makes a joint administration viable,” Tamaki told reporters. “If there’s no alignment, the administration will be volatile.”
Tamaki, whose DPP is the third-largest opposition force, has emerged as one of the possible contenders for prime minister should the bloc unite. However, he cautioned that fundamental differences remain, particularly on national defence policy and Japan’s future use of nuclear power — two issues that have long divided Japan’s political spectrum.
Meanwhile, the DPP’s secretary general was expected to hold a separate meeting with representatives from the LDP and Komeito, highlighting the fluid and uncertain nature of Japan’s political realignment.
Takaichi, a conservative figure known for her hawkish defence stance and close ties to former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s legacy faction, was elected as LDP president just over a week ago. Her selection initially appeared to secure her path to the premiership — until Komeito abruptly withdrew from the coalition. The junior partner’s decision followed a damaging slush fund scandal that has rocked the LDP, sparking public outrage and internal party dissent.
Komeito’s exit ended a 26-year alliance that had provided political stability for successive conservative governments. The LDP still controls more than 40 per cent of seats in the lower house but lacks a clear majority, leaving it dependent on outside support to confirm Takaichi as prime minister.
Without Komeito’s backing, Takaichi’s prospects hinge on the opposition’s inability to coalesce around a single challenger. If opposition parties remain divided, the LDP could still cobble together enough votes to retain control.
Yoshihiko Noda, head of the largest opposition party, the CDP, has called this moment a historic opening for regime change. “This is a once-in-a-decade chance for a change of government,” Noda said, indicating his party’s readiness to support either Tamaki or another consensus figure from within the opposition ranks.
Political analysts say the situation represents Japan’s most volatile power struggle in years. “The fragmentation of the ruling coalition has created both risk and opportunity,” said one Tokyo-based commentator. “If the opposition can unite, this could be Japan’s first non-LDP government since 2012. But if they fail, the LDP may regain control — albeit weakened.”
