Japan's ruling coalition splits, throwing Takaichi's PM bid into doubt

Komeito Chief Representative Tetsuo Saito speaks during a debate with leaders of other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo, Japan, July 2, 2025. Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) -Sanae Takaichi's bid to become Japan's first female prime minister was thrown into doubt on Friday when her ruling party's junior coalition partner quit.

The Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled Japan for almost all of the postwar era, selected hardline conservative Takaichi as its new head in a weekend vote. But she must win approval in parliament to become premier later this month.