Takaichi and Six Opposition Party Leaders to Hold First Parliamentary Debate on May 20

Ruling and opposition parties agreed on May 11, 2026 to hold the first debate between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and opposition party leaders on May 20 during the ongoing session of parliament. The Japan Times reported that opposition parties with 10 or more seats in either the House of Representatives or the House of Councilors are eligible to participate.

The criteria will allow a record six opposition parties to take part in the debate on May 20: the Democratic Party for the People, the Centrist Reform Alliance, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Sanseito, Komeito and Team Mirai.

Team Mirai will join a parliamentary debate for the first time. Following its strong showing in February's general election for the Lower House, the new party secured enough seats to qualify under the 10-seat threshold in one of the chambers. Last year, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to hold a parliamentary debate among party heads every month from April to June.

This year, however, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party refused to hold such a debate in April, leading to the later scheduling of the first session on May 20. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answered questions during a House of Councilors plenary session at the parliament in Tokyo on Friday. The session came on the same day that parties finalized the agreement for the upcoming debate.

It marks the initial formal exchange since the February general election reshaped the composition of the opposition benches. The six participating parties represent a broader range of opposition voices than in previous debates.