Key Facts
• Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito acknowledged responsibility for the party’s defeat on September 12.
• Komeito won only 8 seats in the Upper House election, the lowest in its history.
• Incumbents lost in Kanagawa, Saitama, and Aichi constituencies.
• Proportional representation votes dropped by 970,000 compared to the previous election.
• Saito stated his duty is to rebuild the party and nurture young talent.
• Secretary-General Minoru Nishida submitted his resignation on September 11 but was persuaded to stay.
• Saito emphasized Nishida’s experience and coordination skills as essential for the party’s recovery.
Summary
Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito announced his decision to remain in office despite the party’s significant loss in the recent Upper House election. The party secured only 8 seats, its lowest ever, with incumbents losing in key constituencies such as Kanagawa, Saitama, and Aichi. Proportional representation votes also fell by 970,000 compared to the previous election. Saito expressed deep responsibility for the defeat but emphasized his commitment to rebuilding the party and fostering young talent. Secretary-General Minoru Nishida, who offered his resignation, was convinced by Saito to continue, citing Nishida’s indispensable experience and coordination abilities. Saito’s leadership will focus on revitalizing the party after this historic setback.
