Japan’s Main Opposition Party Open to Unite on PM Vote

The leader of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party (CDPJ) has signaled his readiness to make policy concessions to field a unified opposition candidate against the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in an upcoming prime ministerial vote, Kyodo News reported.

Noda’s remarks came days after the Komeito party announced that it would end its coalition with the LDP. (Photo: 總統府 Wikimedia Commons)

Yoshihiko Noda said during a TV program that he is eager to enter “discussions with some flexibility” to bridge policy differences, urging Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), to show similar openness.

Noda’s remarks came days after the Komeito party announced that it would end its coalition with the LDP, breaking up a 26-year partnership that has shaped Japan’s political landscape since 1999.

Komeito’s withdrawal — prompted by criticism of the LDP’s handling of a slush funds scandal — could prevent Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who became LDP president on Oct. 4, from becoming Japan’s first female prime minister.

Tamaki, however, has cited differences with the CDPJ over security and energy policy as major obstacles to coordination.

Noda, a former prime minister, and Tamaki once belonged to the same party before splitting over policy disputes, Mainichi Japan also reported.