Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing growing criticism over the lack of unity between her Liberal Democratic Party and ruling coalition partner Japan Innovation Party. | AFP-JIJI
Jul 22, 2026
Nine months ago, the Liberal Democratic Party signed a policy agreement with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) to form a coalition, thus ensuring Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election to the post of head of government and, both sides hoped, a stable government.
But with parliament extended until Saturday due to a clash over a JIP-backed bill that even members of her own party oppose, Takaichi finds her approval rating slipping amid growing criticism of the way the LDP and the JIP, also known as Nippon Ishin no Kai, have managed their relationship and dealt with parliament.
The LDP made the agreement with the JIP in October after long-term partner Komeito exited the ruling coalition following the election of Takaichi as LDP president that same month. JIP support was crucial in getting her elected prime minister in parliament, where the two parties ran a minority coalition government.
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