Junya Ogawa, a former member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, has been elected as the new leader of the Centrist Reform Union following the party's significant losses in the recent House of Representatives election. His selection comes at a critical time as the party seeks to recover and regain the public's trust. Local councilors from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito have raised concerns about Ogawa's statements regarding constitutional amendments, questioning their implications and feasibility as the party attempts to unify and appeal to voters.

Supporters gathered at Ogawa's office in Takamatsu City to witness the election results, expressing a mix of optimism and apprehension. The chairman of a volunteer group that has backed Ogawa for two decades praised his courage to step up during a challenging period. They reminisce about his long-standing integrity and commitment to justice from his youth, suggesting his qualities may resonate with the electorate in this transformative phase for the party.

The article highlights the skepticism surrounding Ogawa's leadership amid pivotal constitutional issues, particularly the proposal to clarify the Self-Defense Forces' status in the constitution — a matter central to the Liberal Democratic Party’s agenda and potentially conflicting with the ideals of the Centrist Reform Union. Local leaders emphasize the need for Ogawa to listen to various voices within the party and navigate the complex political landscape to foster unity and trust among voters as they work toward rebuilding the party's reputation following electoral setbacks.