An era of multiparty politics has arrived in Japan, where no single party can form a government alone. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet, launched two and a half months ago, maintains high approval ratings thanks to anti-inflation measures and active diplomacy. Yet, cooperation with opposition parties is crucial to pass key legislation and tackle long-term challenges.
Japan has entered a full era of multiparty politics, marked by the rise of emerging parties and the inability of any single force to form a government alone. This shift requires ruling and opposition parties to collaborate and incorporate diverse public opinions into policies. Focusing only on short-term gains, as in the past, would leave mid- and long-term issues unresolved, hindering progress in tough times.
Two and a half months after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet was launched, it enjoys high approval ratings, bolstered by effective measures against rising prices and a proactive diplomatic approach. "I want to boldly tackle difficult reforms," Takaichi stated in a press conference following her visit to Ise Jingu shrine as her New Year's resolution.
The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) holds a majority in the House of Representatives but is in the minority in the House of Councillors. To enact a record-high budget exceeding ¥122 trillion for the next fiscal year and key bills during the ordinary Diet session starting January 23, cooperation from opposition parties is essential. Takaichi should consider expanding the coalition and deepening ties with parties like the Democratic Party for the People and Komeito. Opposition groups, in turn, must propose stable funding sources alongside their policy demands to be seen as responsible.
With nearly three years left in lower house members' terms, ending in October 2028, the LDP-JIP coalition lacks a fresh public mandate. Holding lower house elections this year could build momentum for policy execution. Over the past five years, Japan has seen prime ministers rotate from Yoshihide Suga to Fumio Kishida, Shigeru Ishiba, and now Takaichi—the fourth in that span. Short-lived administrations undermine tough reforms and erode international trust, directly impacting national strength.
Domestic challenges abound, from declining birthrates and an aging population to inflation. Last year, the government reviewed the high-cost medical expense system and similar programs, but these have limited impact on curbing rising social security costs. Amid a shrinking working-age population supporting the system, further adjustments to benefits and burdens are inevitable, potentially including a consumption tax hike borne broadly, including by the elderly.
As Takaichi noted in her first New Year press conference, establishing a national council with ruling and opposition parties plus experts for frank discussions on social security—balancing benefits and burdens—is hoped for. With social media boosting voter interest, foreign actors allegedly spread false information during last year's upper house election, threatening democracy. The government plans to pass legislation this year to bolster intelligence, transforming the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office into a national intelligence bureau incorporating entities like the Foreign Ministry and National Police Agency. Countering information warfare is urgent.
Globally, free trade and the rule of law—benefits Japan has long enjoyed—are at risk of collapse. Russia seeks to annex Ukrainian territory by force, China exerts military and economic pressure on inconvenient nations, and the United States disrupts order through actions like those against Venezuela. Distrust in major powers is rising among emerging countries. Japan, with high trust from its nation-building aid in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, should leverage this to lead peace restoration and rebuild cooperative international frameworks with these nations.
Bolstering defense is critical. Last month, Chinese and Russian bombers conducted an unusual joint flight over the Pacific toward Tokyo, seen as a show of force. Japan must remain vigilant against North Korea's nuclear and missile advances. The government intends to accelerate revisions to its three security documents, including the National Security Strategy, this year, while securing defense budgets and strengthening the domestic production base to enhance deterrence.
