Feb 26 • 11:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

The Power of Numbers: the Rise of Factions and the Change in Direction by the Prime Minister

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is witnessing a resurgence of factionalism, driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's stance on past funding issues.

The article discusses the recent re-emergence of factional dynamics within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a development that has been influenced significantly by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Following Takaichi's decision to overlook previous controversies surrounding funding within these factions, influential party members have begun seeking to enhance their numerical strength. This resurgence appears to be a strategic shift as some factions aim to consolidate their positions in light of Takaichi's leadership.

On the evening of the 25th, key figures from the former Abe faction, including Koichi Hagiuda and election committee chairman Yasutoshi Nishimura, gathered for a dinner in Tokyo's Akasaka. They discussed the need for cohesion despite the dissolution of their formal faction, with Hagiuda emphasizing the importance of working together to maintain influence within the party. This indicates a significant trend as members appear to prioritize unity in order to navigate the evolving political landscape.

Additionally, the article highlights other factional gatherings, including a meeting involving former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, suggesting a broader network of connections and alliances forming within the party. With several factions appearing to engage in coordinated efforts, the implications of this shift towards factionalism may affect the LDP's policymaking and internal dynamics, as party members leverage their collective strength against challenges ahead.

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