Komeito’s new chief eyes political realignment

Mitsunari Okamoto, newly elected leader of opposition party Komeito, speaks during an interview in Tokyo on Oct. 8. | JIJI

Jiji

Oct 13, 2026

Mitsunari Okamoto, newly elected leader of opposition party Komeito, said in a recent interview that he aims to make the party a rallying point for political realignment, emphasizing his determination to advance policy-oriented cooperation with political forces sharing similar values.

On Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Okamoto said that while she appears to have strong leadership qualities and enjoys high public expectations, she also has some shortcomings as a leader.

Unlike during the administration of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, there are probably few people opposed to the prime minister at this point, he said, adding that it is “extremely important to listen to a wide range of opinions that differ from your own when making a decision.”

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