0806 GMT - The surprise exit of a longstanding ally of Japan's ruling party clouds an already murky outlook for the country, which is in the midst of a leadership transition. The Komeito party has severed a decades-long relationship with the Liberal Democratic Party, citing a disagreement over political funding issues. That may throw a spanner in the works for the LDP's newly minted leader, Sanae Takaichi, and her efforts to become the next prime minister. Takaichi will need to gain approval in parliament to be named as Japan's first-ever female premier, and Komeito's exit could well raise that hurdle. (megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 10, 2025 04:07 ET (08:07 GMT)

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