Komeito, the pacifist-leaning political party founded in 1964 and backed by Soka Gakkai, Japan’s largest lay Buddhist organization, is undergoing a leadership change as Natsuo Yamaguchi prepares to step down after his eighth term as party leader. At 72 years old, Yamaguchi, who took over leadership in 2009 from Akihiro Ota, is making way for 66-year-old Keiichi Ishii, the current party secretary-general, to assume the role.
The decision for Yamaguchi's succession comes after Komeito faced losses in previous elections and amidst the prime minister’s announcement of not seeking re-election in an upcoming party leadership contest. Despite Yamaguchi's long-standing tenure providing stability to the party, Komeito has determined that a shift in leadership to a younger generation is necessary for the party's future growth. Makoto Nishida, chairman of the party's Upper House caucus, is expected to take on the role of the new secretary-general in the upcoming transition of power.
In what is seen as a significant move for the party, Komeito's historical trend of deciding on a pre-selected candidate who wins unopposed in leadership elections may continue in the upcoming succession process. This change in leadership within Komeito, a key player in Japan's ruling coalition, marks a pivotal moment as the party looks toward the future under new leadership.