The political landscape remains fractured after the 465-seat lower house election, where Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies secured 215 seats, while the CDPJ gained 148 seats.
The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) emerged as a potential kingmaker after expanding its presence from seven to 28 seats.
"We can't stand with him unless there is a solid cause or concrete plan for political reforms," Japan Innovation Party chief Nobuhiko Baba said after meeting with Noda, highlighting the challenging path ahead for any leadership bid.
The LDP aims to form policy partnerships with the DPP, with both parties scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss potential collaboration on an anti-inflation economic package, marking their first major policy coordination since the ruling coalition lost its majority control.
