Japan's ruling coalition fell apart on Friday when junior partner Komeito withdrew from its long-standing alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The development deals a severe blow to LDP leader Sanae Takaichi 's path to the premiership. Takaichi, a hardline conservative, had been elected LDP chief last weekend and was due to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba later this month. Her confirmation in parliament had been considered a formality — but without Komeito's votes,