On December 19, the Aso faction of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, held a meeting in Tokyo where it was announced that 18 new members had joined, increasing its membership to 60. The backdrop of this shift comes as many other factions within the party have collapsed due to financial scandals, positioning the Aso faction as a key player in the current political landscape. This surge in membership indicates a possible return to the factionalism that has traditionally characterized Japanese politics.

One new member attributed their choice to join the Aso faction to the benefits of being part of a strong group, stating, "Factions provide posts, it's better under a big tree." The Aso faction has emerged as a dominant force, having supported Sanae Takaichi for last year's party leadership election and currently holding key positions within the party's upper echelons, including the secretary-general and the chairperson of the General Council, which places it at the center of decision-making in the LDP.

Historically, newly elected lawmakers would carefully consider the strength and influence of faction leaders when deciding where to align, noting the mentorship and political education that faction affiliation provides. With new members flocking to the Aso faction, former members of the now-diminished Nikai faction have expressed concern over the growing influence of the Aso faction, suggesting that the return to faction-based politics is not only underway but may intensify in the coming political landscape of Japan.