Japan is experiencing an unusual period of political paralysis known as “so-so bunri,” where the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, Sanae Takaichi, has not yet assumed the role of prime minister. The LDP is now racing to resolve the deadlock, with an extraordinary Diet session scheduled for October 21.
The delay has raised concerns over economic stability and diplomacy. Japan’s new leader is expected to attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and host U.S. President Donald Trump on October 27, followed by the APEC summit in South Korea. Meanwhile, the Nikkei 225 index has fallen since the coalition partner Komeito withdrew, complicating efforts to pass a supplementary budget and gasoline tax cuts to combat inflation.
The lame-duck government of outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba continues to operate but lacks the authority to implement major policies. Some within the LDP even suggest maintaining Ishiba under the “so-so bunri” arrangement. Opposition parties are positioning themselves to exploit the LDP’s instability, raising the possibility of a power shift if Takaichi cannot secure enough votes in the Diet.