Sanae Takaichi's status as the presumptive next prime minister of Japan was thrown into doubt when her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its coalition partner, Komeito, over concerns about corruption (AP). Other Japanese parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), are reportedly weighing options to back a single opposition candidate to prevent the next prime minister from being a member of the LDP (NHK World, Deutsche Welle, Gemini Group - Blog). As of the launch of this question, the Diet was due to elect a new prime minister on 21 October 2025 (Nippon). If the question has not resolved before 1 December 2025, the closing date will be extended. The parties listed with the names represent party affiliation as of launch, and whether party affiliation changes for a named candidate as of the resolution of this question is immaterial.

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The question closed "Sanae Takaichi (LDP)" with a closing date of 20 October 2025.

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