Japan’s Takaichi Closes In on Premiership After Talks Progress

Sanae Takaichi, the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is largely on track to become prime minister after a potential ally abandoned opposition efforts to build a rival coalition.

The LDP and the Japan Innovation Party or Ishin, an Osaka-based opposition group, are exploring the potential of forming a new coalition ahead of a vote on Tuesday that will see the emergence of Japan’s next prime minister.