Tokyo: Japan's political scene has recently undergone significant turmoil following the collapse of the long-standing coalition between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner, the Komeito party. This development has cast uncertainty over Sanae Takaichi's bid to become Japan's first female prime minister.

Takaichi, who leads the LDP and won the party presidency in early October 2025, previously appeared poised to make history. However, Komeito’s decision to withdraw from the coalition after nearly three decades due to disagreements and a funding scandal has left the LDP without a parliamentary majority. The coalition's break has delayed the parliamentary vote initially set to affirm Takaichi's premiership and created an opening for opposition parties to challenge her leadership.

In response, the LDP has begun negotiations with other right-leaning and centrist parties, including the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People, seeking to form a new coalition to secure a majority in the lower house. Despite these efforts, Takaichi remains short of the required seats, complicating her path to the premiership.

Meanwhile, opposition forces led by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan are exploring unity bids to support an alternative candidate, possibly Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People, to block Takaichi's rise. The political uncertainty reflects deeper divisions over issues such as security policy and Japan's stance toward neighboring countries.

Takaichi herself has acknowledged the difficulties ahead but remains steadfast in her ambition, emphasizing that she will not surrender despite the challenging political environment. The upcoming parliamentary session scheduled for late October will be crucial in determining whether Takaichi can navigate these complexities and become Japan’s first female prime minister or whether a new political configuration will emerge.

Her leadership marks a return to a more conservative political approach after years of centrist policies under previous administrations. This moment is pivotal both for Takaichi and Japan’s political future as the nation grapples with coalition dynamics, policy debates, and the quest for stable governance.