Japan opposition merger collapses; Komeito members may exit alliance

Japan's centrist opposition alliance is fracturing after merger talks among the Centrist Reform Alliance, Komeito, and CDPJ stalled, with Komeito members who joined months ago threatening to leave. The failure weakens the opposition's ability to counter Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition ahead of future elections. The exact timeline and whether any partial agreement can be salvaged remain uncertain.