Sekiguchi Eyed as Next Head of Japan’s Upper House

LDP to Nominate Sekiguchi as Next House of Councillors President

Tokyo, Nov. 1 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to nominate Masakazu Sekiguchi as the next president of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, according to multiple party sources.

Sekiguchi, 71, currently leads LDP members in the Upper House. He will succeed incumbent President Hidehisa Otsuji, who plans to step down due to health reasons.

With the LDP-Komeito coalition holding a majority in the parliamentary chamber, Sekiguchi is widely expected to be elected at a special Diet session scheduled for November 11.

Former welfare minister Keizo Takemi, 72, is likely to fill Sekiguchi’s current position.

Sekiguchi was first elected to the Upper House in a by-election in the Saitama prefectural constituency in 2003. He assumed his current role in 2019, following a career that included government and party posts such as parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs.