Japan's Diet to convene extraordinary session on October 5

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has announced plans to convene an extraordinary Diet session on October 5, 2026, running for 69 days until December 12. This was communicated during a meeting between LDP Diet Affairs Committee Chair Isaki and Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) Chair Yoshiaki Saito.

A key point of contention involves the appointment of Diet members who were involved in the political funds scandal regarding unreported income. The LDP proposed appointing such members to committee chair positions and as the top ruling party director in the House of Councillors. Saito expressed strong opposition to appointing members who have not recently undergone an election to chair positions, stating that such appointments cannot be permitted at this stage. However, he indicated that there might be room for discussion regarding appointments to director roles.

Saito also addressed the LDP's push for “Diet reform and efficiency.” He cautioned that efficiency should not be equated with shortening deliberation times or reducing the Prime Minister's attendance, asserting that the House of Councillors would not accept such measures.