Overview
- Party leaders Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito recorded a YouTube Q&A to introduce the Centrist Reform Alliance and boost name recognition ahead of a short campaign.
- In Hokkaido, all 12 Constitutional Democratic incumbents plan to run under the new banner and Komei’s regional chief said his side will merge, with local leaders confirming a cooperation framework.
- The Hokkaido map also points to three‑way contests as the Democratic Party for the People moves to field candidates and the Communist Party prepares runs, raising the risk of splitting anti‑LDP votes.
- DPFP broadened its slate, naming prefectural assembly member Akinari Kawai in Shiga District 1, and, according to party sources, preparing Yumi Hayashi to contest Wakayama District 1.
- Veteran LDP figures Yoshihide Suga and Toshiaki Endo formally said they will not run in the next election, while media simulations indicated about 44 districts could flip if Komei supporters switch sides.