The Japan Innovation Party has outlined its policy to reduce the number of seats in the House of Representatives by 10% and emphasized the need for constitutional amendment during its party convention in Tokyo.
On the 21st, the Japan Innovation Party held its convention in Tokyo, where it confirmed a policy directing efforts towards a 10% reduction in the number of seats in the House of Representatives, which currently stands at 465. The party reinforced its long-standing push for constitutional amendments as a core issue, highlighting its ambition to lead discussions in this area. This convention marks the first since the party partnered in a coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, who is also the governor of Osaka, stressed the importance of the party's existence and the critical need for the proposed seat reduction. The policy explicitly aligns with the LDP's principle of 'autonomous amendment of the current constitution.' Furthermore, it was noted that the Japan Innovation Party would actively engage with other parties on narrowing down amendment items and establishing a concrete schedule for a national referendum.
The absence of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is also the LDP leader, was felt during the convention as she participated in an event in the United States but sent a video message supporting the goals of constitutional amendment and seat reduction. Yoshimura expressed his desire to advance discussions on constitutional reforms within the coalition government of the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party, indicating a shared commitment towards their legislative objectives.
