Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the process of electing Japan's 104th Prime Minister, following the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba's cabinet, highlighting the mechanisms of nomination and voting in the National Diet [2][4]. Group 1: Nomination Process - The Prime Minister nomination election will occur alongside the collective resignation of Ishiba's cabinet, as mandated by the Constitution, where both Houses of the Diet nominate the Prime Minister from among its members [4]. - If no candidate receives a majority in the first round of voting, the top two candidates will proceed to a decisive second round [6]. Group 2: Current Political Landscape - The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito does not hold a majority in either House, with LDP's seats around 40% in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors [6]. - Komeito announced its withdrawal from the ruling coalition and will not support any candidate in the upcoming election, complicating LDP's path to a majority [6]. Group 3: Opposition Dynamics - The combined seats of the largest opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Japan Innovation Party, and the Democratic Party for the People, also do not exceed a majority [8]. - However, the opposition parties collectively hold more seats than the LDP alone in the House of Representatives [8]. Group 4: Voting Procedures - In case of a disagreement between the two Houses regarding the Prime Minister's nomination, a joint meeting will be convened, and if no consensus is reached, the House of Representatives' decision will take precedence [11]. - Historically, there have been five instances of decisive voting in the House of Representatives, with the most recent occurring after the 2024 election, where Ishiba faced off against the opposition leader [12]. Group 5: Official Appointment - Following the nomination in the Diet, the selected candidate must undergo a formal appointment ceremony known as the "Shin'in-shiki" at the Imperial Palace to officially assume the role of Prime Minister [15]. - After the ceremony, the new Prime Minister will issue appointment orders to cabinet members, and a group photo with the entire cabinet will be taken during the first cabinet meeting [17].