Japan PM Takashi Kōchi criticized for low parliament attendance

On July 17, 2026, Japan's Diet held a concentrated budget‑committee session. Opposition lawmaker Renho (立憲民主党) questioned Prime Minister Takashi Kōchi about his low attendance, asking, “Do you dislike attending parliament?” Kōchi replied that he attends when summoned and writes his answers personally.

The session also featured a party‑leader debate in which Kōchi faced further scrutiny. The debate ran over its allotted time and was cut short, exposing the opposition’s limited speaking slots and what analysts described as a “multi‑weakening” of the opposition compared with the ruling party.

Despite the criticism, the government continued to advance its legislative agenda, including the proposed secondary‑capital (副首都) bill, and is seeking to extend the Diet session until July 25 to ensure passage of the remaining measures.