Overview
- Party leaders Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito recorded a Q&A video to promote the new Centrist Reform Alliance and said they aim to popularize the “Chudo” shorthand.
- Rikken’s Hokkaido chapter said all 12 incumbent lower-house members plan to run under the new banner, and Komeito’s Hokkaido leader Hidemichi Sato confirmed joining, with both sides agreeing to cooperate locally.
- A Kyodo-based simulation reported by regional media estimates that if Komeito-aligned voters shift, Rikken could overtake the LDP in up to about 44 constituencies.
- The Democratic Party for the People moved to compete in Hokkaido single-seat districts and officially backed Akinari Kawai for Shiga’s 1st district.
- Election preparations quickened as LDP veteran Toshimitsu Endo announced retirement with his son indicated as successor in Yamagata 1, the LDP’s Fukuoka federation handed candidate selection in the 9th district to party HQ, and Nago’s mayoral race heads to a January 25 vote.