The Center Reform Union and the Democratic Party of Japan have declared their intention not to participate in the inaugural meeting of the 'National Conference' scheduled to take place at the Prime Minister's office. This decision comes after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had aimed for an early establishment of the conference to discuss proposals including a two-year exemption from the consumption tax on food products, and a tax credit aimed at helping lower and middle-income earners. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party had specifically invited the Center Reform Union, the Democratic Party of Japan, and Team Mirai to this meeting, positioning them as supportive of their vision.

Furthermore, the announcements from the two political parties highlight their demand for a broader participation in the conference, which had been limited to only a few parties. Junya Ogawa, the representative of Center Reform Union, explained that their decision not to attend was based on a lack of confidence that the meeting would lead to concrete outcomes regarding its purpose and structure. He further stated that they would reassess the situation regarding the second meeting after confirming the government's sincerity and commitment towards the tax credit initiative.

Similarly, Acting Representative Motohisa Furukawa of the Democratic Party stated that they would not participate in the initial meeting, criticizing the lack of collaborative discussion about the meeting's framework. He emphasized the need for dialogue on how the conference will proceed, suggesting that if the government's conditions are too unilateral, it would not be a true partnership. In contrast, Team Mirai has shown willingness to participate in the conference, presenting a potential divide in the approach among the parties involved.