The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has broadly approved a plan to cut 45 seats [1] from the proportional representation bloc in the House of Representatives.

This move is a critical step toward fulfilling a governing pledge to reduce the overall size of the lower house. The reduction is part of a coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party, aimed at streamlining the legislature.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (LDP) said the government is committed to the agreement signed with the Japan Innovation Party. She said the goal was established during the previous House of Representatives election and the administration is working toward its realization [3].

Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki (LDP) said the prime minister intends to meet the target of a 10% reduction [2] during the current Diet session. Suzuki said Takaichi requested the party to consolidate its internal opinions to achieve this cut specifically through the proportional representation seats [3].

The proposed cut of 45 seats [1] represents approximately 10% of the total 465 seats in the House of Representatives [2]. If a final conclusion is not reached within one year, the reductions will be implemented automatically [1].

Not all party members agree with the rapid pace of the decision. Former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya (LDP) said the LDP is not a dictatorial party and the decision should not be made by the prime minister alone [3].

Despite internal friction, the leadership is pushing the plan to align with the coalition's public promises. The focus on proportional seats avoids the immediate need to redraw individual constituency boundaries, which often triggers intense local political conflict.

“The Liberal Democratic Party has broadly approved a plan to cut 45 seats from the proportional representation bloc.”

By targeting proportional representation seats rather than single-seat constituencies, the Takaichi administration is attempting to fulfill a high-profile campaign promise while avoiding the political instability associated with redistricting. The 'automatic' trigger for the cuts creates a deadline that forces the LDP to resolve internal dissent quickly or face a mandatory loss of legislative influence.