Key points

Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa reflects on the formation and collapse of the non-LDP coalition government in 1993, noting that the political liquefaction that began then continues today. In October 2026, support for the Takaichi Sanae Cabinet fell to 42.4%, Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana was dismissed, and Toru Hashimoto raised issues within the conservative camp through controversy over visits to Yasukuni Shrine. These developments highlight the current state and challenges of Japanese politics.

(Source: Shueisha Shinsho Plus, Jiji Press, J-CAST) [1] [2] [3]

Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa Points to the Beginning of the Liquefaction of Japanese Politics

Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa looks back on the birth and collapse of the non-LDP coalition government established in August 1993, identifying this period as the start of the liquefaction of Japanese politics. This marked the end of the Liberal Democratic Party's single-party government system that had continued since 1955 and was a turning point that significantly changed the political landscape. Hosokawa, dissatisfied with issues in local governance and the centralized administrative system, formed the Japan New Party aiming for political reform. The coalition government consisted of eight parties and initially enjoyed high approval ratings but collapsed in a short period due to policy differences. [1]

During the political reform process, Hosokawa aimed to abolish corporate and organizational political donations and adopted a policy of self-financing election campaigns. The coalition government's collapse was mainly due to the failure to introduce a national welfare tax and internal conflicts within the coalition, particularly the discord between Ichiro Ozawa and Masayoshi Takemura, which made governance difficult. Hosokawa described the political confusion of this period as "liquefaction," positioning it as the starting point of the ongoing political instability.

(Source: Shueisha Shinsho Plus) [1]

Decline in Support for the Takaichi Cabinet and Dismissal of Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana in October 2026

According to a Jiji Press opinion poll in October 2026, support for the Takaichi Sanae Cabinet fell by 1.7 points from the previous month to 42.4%, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline and setting a new low. This decline was significantly influenced by issues surrounding Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana. Reports emerged of Yana's remarks about cutting local government road budgets and suspicions of violations of the Public Offices Election Act, leading Prime Minister Takaichi to effectively dismiss him on October 14. Approximately 80% of respondents viewed the decision to allow Yana to remain in office as problematic.

(Source: Jiji Press) [2]

On October 14, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae dismissed Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana and acknowledged responsibility for the appointment while apologizing during the House of Councillors Budget Committee. Takube Shin was appointed as the new Agriculture Minister and has demanded accountability from his predecessor. These developments indicate a decline in cabinet trust. Within the Liberal Democratic Party, many voices also criticized Yana's issues, and the party disciplinary committee discussed the reinstatement of Hiroshige Seko, who had left the party.

(Source: Political Database) [3]

Toru Hashimoto's Controversy over Yasukuni Shrine Visits and Challenges for the Conservative Camp

On October 18, 2026, former Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto argued during a debate on X (formerly Twitter) with political scientist Atsushi Iwata that a "political separate shrine" was necessary for the Prime Minister and the Emperor to directly pay respects to war dead. Hashimoto criticized conservatives who fail to propose practical measures as "fashion conservatives" and emphasized that visits to Yasukuni Shrine should be conducted as a state act. He also pointed out that although Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae advocated visiting Yasukuni before taking office, she has not done so since assuming the position.

(Source: J-CAST) [4]

In exchanges with Iwata, Hashimoto criticized the insistence on reading his writings as the height of "fashion conservatism," highlighting the problem of conservatives making decisions without realistic discussions. In response, Iwata accused Hashimoto of posing as a conservative while being left-leaning. The debate over visits to Yasukuni Shrine exposes divisions and challenges within the conservative camp.

(Source: J-CAST) [4]