Trending:Nobel Peace PrizeIran unrestBangladesh cricket boycottGrok deepfakesCarney-Xi meetingTaskaree: The Smuggler’s Web reviewTakaichi’s snap poll move unites Japan's ‘centrist forces’ to contest election under one bannerFP News Desk • January 16, 2026, 13:47:08 ISTWhatsapp Facebook TwitterJapan’s political landscape is set for a shake-up as two major opposition forces move to join hands ahead of a possible snap election. The decision signals a fresh attempt to consolidate centrist support and challenge the long-dominant ruling bloc in a closely watched electoral contest. AdvertisementSubscribe Join Us+ Follow us On GoogleChoose Firstpost on GoogleJapan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. File image/ReutersJapan’s main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and Komeito, until recently a long-time partner in the ruling coalition, agreed on Thursday to form a new political party ahead of a possible snap election — a development that could significantly reshape the balance of power in parliament. Centrist alliance takes shapeThe agreement, presented as an effort to bring together Japan’s “centrist forces”, is aimed at forging a united front against the conservative ruling camp led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition ally, the Japan Innovation Party. Political realignment under TakaichiThe move comes at a time when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continues to enjoy strong approval ratings in media polls, despite her hawkish views on national security.
