FOCUS: End of Japan's 26-year ruling coalition forcing Komeito to rethink future

TOKYO - The end of Japan's 26-year-long ruling coalition just before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in October will force the centrist Komeito party, which had long wielded influence disproportionate to its size, to redefine its political future outside government in 2026.

As its core support base shrinks amid Japan's aging population and public opinion shifts rightward on issues such as security, Komeito may face a pivotal year, weighing whether to deepen relations with left-leaning parties or stick with a more neutral stance.