The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) of Japan has proposed a top-level meeting with the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) to discuss uniting behind a single candidate for prime minister. The move comes ahead of the Oct. 20 Diet session, where lawmakers are set to vote on a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda said he instructed his team to organize an Oct. 14 meeting with DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki and Nippon Ishin co-head Fumitake Fujita to explore the possibility of backing a joint opposition candidate instead of Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The potential opposition alliance comes as Japan’s political landscape shifts following the breakup of the 26-year coalition between the LDP and Komeito. Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito announced the split earlier this month, citing the LDP’s failure to address political funding scandals. The rift has weakened the ruling party, creating an opening for opposition groups.
Noda emphasized that with a combined 210 seats in the Lower House—more than the LDP’s 196—the three opposition parties should make every effort to find common ground. However, deep policy differences, particularly between the CDP and DPP on national security issues, may hinder unity. Nippon Ishin is reportedly waiting for the outcome of CDP-DPP talks before deciding its stance, while it is also being courted by the LDP for a potential coalition.