Japan's opposition parties agree to form new centrist party ahead of snap election
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito announced plans to create a new party, with a general election likely scheduled for February 8.
January 15, 2026
Japan's main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party agreed Thursday to form a new party ahead of a possible snap election, marking a significant shift in the balance of power in parliament.
The agreement, reached under the banner of bringing together centrist forces, comes as the two parties seek to present a united front against the conservative ruling camp of the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition ally, the Japan Innovation Party.
Komeito chief Tetsuo Saito and Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda, a former prime minister, jointly announced the plan to lead the new opposition party. The two parties will continue to exist alongside the new party, according to Saito.
Komeito will not field candidates in lower house constituencies, the party's leader said, as part of the arrangement to support the new centrist formation.
The new party aims to bring together centrist forces in Japanese politics as the country prepares for a general election. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conveyed to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition ally, the Japan Innovation Party, on Wednesday her plan to dissolve the House of Representatives soon after the regular Diet session convenes on January 23.
The general election is likely to be held on February 8, with official campaigning starting from January 27, according to senior members of ruling parties. Takaichi, who holds hawkish views on national security, has enjoyed high approval ratings in media polls.