THE head of Japan’s Komeito says it is leaving the ruling coalition headed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LD) due to concerns over corruption.

The decision announced today by Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito leaves the LD-led coalition on the verge of collapse.

Last weekend, LD chose far-right politician Sanae Takaichi as its leader.

Ms Takaichi could still become Japan’s first female prime minister, but the departure of the Buddhist-backed Komeito will compel the Liberal Democrats to find at least one other coalition partner in order to stay in power.

The ruling coalition had already lost its majorities in both houses of parliament. The lower house is due to vote on a new prime minister later this month.

Mr Saito’s concerns include objections to Ms Takaichi’s stance about Japan’s wartime history and her visits to Yasukuni Shrine, seen as a symbol of its past militarism. 

Another was Ms Takaichi’s apparent support for the backlash against growing numbers of foreign workers and tourists.

But the deciding factor was the Liberal Democrats’ response to scandals over the use of political slush funds.

Mr Saito said Ms Takaichi showed a “lack of sincerity” about doing more to clean up corruption.

“The LDP’s response was that it will think about it, which was highly insufficient and extremely disappointing,” Mr Saito said.