Japan opposition party Komeito selects new leader

Mitsunari Okamoto delivers remarks after being sworn in as the new leader of the Komeito at the party convention in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan, October 3, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

Japan's Komeito party, long a junior partner in the ruling coalition, selected Mitsunari Okamoto as its new leader on Saturday as it prepares for an extraordinary Diet session starting next week, local media reported.

According to Kyodo News, Okamoto, 61, a House of Representatives lawmaker, replaced Toshiko Takeya fllowing approval at the party convention. Takeya, a senator, had led the party since January, when Komeito's lower house lawmakers joined the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance. However, the Alliance split in September.