LDP, opposition JIP near coalition as Komeito leaves

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party's agreement Wednesday with the major opposition Japan Innovation Party to begin policy talks on forming a coalition government comes as the Komeito party has left the long-standing LDP-led alliance.Komeito's withdrawal removed an obstacle between the LDP and the Osaka-based JIP, established in the 2010s. In the Kansai region encompassing Osaka and Kyoto, Komeito's strong grassroots networks had long competed with JIP's growing local influence.With Komeito out of the coalition, LDP lawmakers now see a clearer path to building a new partnership with the JIP…READ FULL ARTICLE