Japan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with Emperor Naruhito as ceremonial head of state and Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister leading a Liberal Democratic Party minority government since October 2025. The LDP-Komeito coalition lost its lower house majority in 2024, leading to political instability, Ishiba's resignation in 2025, and Takaichi's investiture with support from independents. The bicameral National Diet holds legislative power, with ongoing challenges from scandals and economic pressures.