Editorial

14:30 JST, January 6, 2026

An era of multiparty politics has fully arrived, with emerging parties gaining prominence and no single force capable of forming a government on its own.

This likely means that the ruling and opposition parties will be expected to work together and reflect diverse public opinion in policy matters.

If the parties focus solely on immediate results in a bid to gain control of political affairs, as they did before, mid- and long-term issues will be left unresolved, making it impossible to overcome difficult situations.

To prevent politics from falling into disarray in today’s increasingly multiparty political landscape, it is important for both ruling and opposition parties to be aware that they bear a heavy responsibility for the next generation and to cooperate to implement measures.

Two and a half months have passed since the Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was launched. The Cabinet has maintained high approval ratings, partly because its measures against rising prices and proactive diplomatic stance have been well-received. The Takaichi Cabinet can be said to be off to a good start.

“I want to boldly tackle difficult reforms,” Takaichi said of her New Year’s resolution at a press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine.

The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party holds a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, but it is in the minority in the House of Councillors.

To pass a record-high budget proposal for next fiscal year........

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