Japan's Prime Minister Takashi faces party leader debate amid Imperial House Law delay

A party‑leader debate is set for the afternoon of 15 July in the Japanese Diet, extending to an hour and featuring the prime minister, Takashi, and leaders of six opposition parties. Topics will include a proposed amendment to the Imperial House Law, which the upper‑house special committee agreed to postpone its vote, and a secondary‑capital bill, whose committee vote was also deferred and will be taken up by the lower‑house committee on 16 July. The government’s vaccination‑law amendment lacks a clear path to passage, and discussions of a modest extension of the session are ongoing as the parliamentary term ends on 17 July. Opposition figures have pledged to scrutinise Takashi’s handling of the debate and the legislative agenda, accusing the premier of neglecting parliamentary duties.