February 18, 2026
Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Nihi Sohei who heads the party’s Upper House Diet affairs committee on February 17 demanded that the chair of the House of Councillors Steering Committee ensure that minority parties’ representatives have sufficient opportunities and time to make interpellations at plenary sessions of a special session of the Diet.
The “Reiwa Shinsengumi” party also made a similar request to the chair.
Nihi pointed out that it will be the first Diet session following the sudden dissolution of the Lower House and the unexpected snap general election called by the Takaichi government. He added that the House of Councillors, as a chamber of deliberation and reconsideration, has a significant role to play in reflecting diverse public voices in national politics. He emphasized, “Guaranteeing opportunities for minority parties to question is extremely important.”
Nihi also demanded that minority parties be granted further opportunities and time for Diet questioning regarding other bills and proposals.
Upper House Steering Committee Chair Aoki Kazuhiko responded that he would respect the opinions of minority parties.
The “Reiwa Shinsengumi” party also made a similar request to the chair.
Nihi pointed out that it will be the first Diet session following the sudden dissolution of the Lower House and the unexpected snap general election called by the Takaichi government. He added that the House of Councillors, as a chamber of deliberation and reconsideration, has a significant role to play in reflecting diverse public voices in national politics. He emphasized, “Guaranteeing opportunities for minority parties to question is extremely important.”
Nihi also demanded that minority parties be granted further opportunities and time for Diet questioning regarding other bills and proposals.
Upper House Steering Committee Chair Aoki Kazuhiko responded that he would respect the opinions of minority parties.
