7 lawmakers to quit their parties to join Hashimoto's group
News On Japan via Japan Today -- Sep 11
Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto is emerging as a major player in the next lower house election.
On Monday, seven sitting lawmakers announced they were leaving their parties to join Hashimoto's Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Association), the new party which will field candidates in the next lower house election.
The seven come from the DPJ, LDP and Your Party, and include LDP lower house member Kenta Matsunami and former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yorihisa Matsuno of the DPJ.
Commentators say Nippon Ishin no Kai could play a significant role in the coalition-building that is expected after national polls in a country where no party enjoys a commanding lead.
Source: Japan Today
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