The Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party have moved to begin deliberations on a bill to cut 45 proportional representation seats [1].

The move represents a significant shift in Japan's legislative structure by reducing the total number of House of Representatives seats by approximately 10% [2]. This reduction targets the proportional representation bloc to streamline the legislature, though the method of implementation has sparked a confrontation between the ruling coalition and opposition groups.

On Monday, June 29, the bill was formally referred to the House of Representatives Special Committee on Political Reform [1]. The decision to begin deliberations was made via the authority of the ruling party's committee chairperson [1]. This follows an earlier internal approval of the bill by the ruling coalition on June 11 [3].

Opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito, have expressed strong opposition to the measure. They said the move was an attempt to secure party-specific interests rather than a genuine effort at reform. Some opposition representatives described the process as a "reckless act" that relies on the "power of numbers" [1].

Other opposition members said the bill is a "partisan ploy" [1]. The tension has led some opposition members to signal they may not participate in the deliberations.

Time is limited for the legislative process. The current session is scheduled to end on July 17, leaving approximately three weeks for the committee to reach a conclusion [1].

Earlier this month, the chairperson of the Special Committee on Political Reform said that if a broader conclusion is not reached within one year, the reduction of 45 proportional representation seats would be the default outcome [2]. Current membership of the House of Representatives stands at 465 members [2].

“"reckless act" that relies on the "power of numbers"”

The push to reduce proportional representation seats reflects a strategic effort by the ruling coalition to reshape the legislative landscape. By targeting these specific seats, the LDP and Japan Innovation Party can potentially limit the influence of smaller opposition parties that rely heavily on proportional voting to gain a foothold in the Diet. The use of chairperson authority to force deliberations suggests a willingness by the ruling bloc to bypass consensus in favor of a rapid timeline before the session ends on July 17.