In the wake of a turbulent year that solidified Komeito¡¯s steady decline with voters and saw it abruptly leave the ruling coalition, the future of the party seems more uncertain than ever.
The end of the party¡¯s quarter-century marriage with the Liberal Democratic Party, arguably one of the most successful alliances in Japanese history, has raised a slew of questions ¡ª whose answers are, at best, up in the air.
¡±We had to endure many things during our time in the coalition,¡± Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito, 73, said. ¡°Now it¡¯s become easier for us to put forward our own policies. Our supporters are happier.¡±
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