
Japan’s political landscape was upended on Friday as Komeito, the long-time junior partner in the ruling coalition, announced its decision to end its 26-year alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over corruption concerns.
The decision, delivered personally by Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito to newly elected LDP president Sanae Takaichi, comes at a critical moment – just weeks before parliament is expected to vote to confirm Ms Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister.