The heart of parliamentary democracy lies in open debate, respect for diverse opinions, and a genuine effort to build consensus. Japan's Diet now faces a decisive moment. Can it live up to these ideals?

An extraordinary session of the Diet will begin on Nov. 28. This marks the first round of parliamentary debate since the October general election, where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives.

Nearly half of the committee leadership positions in the house have gone to opposition parties, giving them significant influence over legislative proceedings. For Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government to implement its policies, cooperation with the opposition is now unavoidable.

In the past, the ruling coalition pushed legislative and budget bills through by relying on prescreening within their ranks and obligating their members to vote according to party decisions, often ignoring opposition input and leveraging their numerical advantage. This approach diminished the value of Diet debates, reducing them to mere formalities.

However, with the ruling and opposition blocs now evenly matched, such tactics are no longer viable. This shift offers a crucial opportunity to change the bad practice of disrespecting parliamentary deliberation.

Yet, the ruling coalition appears preoccupied with securing votes. In negotiations over economic stimulus measures, the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) is being offered concessions in exchange for supporting the supplementary budget bill.

If this three-party alliance solidifies, it risks becoming another version of the internal preapproval system for legislation, merely expanded to include the DPFP. This would again undermine Diet debates.

Multipartisan discussions on political funding reform have also begun, initiated by the LDP.

While presession negotiations with opposition parties are not inherently wrong, the Diet must remain the primary stage for debate. Arguments should be presented openly, and bills should be amended as needed. This flexible approach is central to parliamentary politics.

Opposition parties must also step up. Simply criticizing the administration will not suffice. They must engage constructively in debates and take responsibility for shaping policy outcomes.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's (CDP) aims to submit a bill to introduce a selective surname system for married couples -- a reform supported by many opposition parties and Komeito. The next step should be to outline a clear path for its implementation.

Meanwhile, the LDP and its three pro-constitutional amendment allies no longer hold the two-thirds parliamentary majority required to propose constitutional revisions. Instead of pushing constitutional reform unilaterally, this moment should be used to foster bipartisan dialogue and rethink the Constitution's role in modern Japan.

The Diet must redefine itself as a forum for genuine deliberation and rise to meet the people's expectations.