Image Credit: FNN Japan
On September 3, Ichiro Ozawa, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), pledged his support to former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda for the upcoming party leadership election. Noda, who has declared his candidacy, will face nominations on September 7 and voting on September 23. Ozawa conveyed his intention to back Noda through his group, the Issei-kai, which comprises approximately ten members.
Following their meeting in the Diet, Ozawa emphasized the need for opposition parties to unite to effect a change in government. He noted that both he and Noda agreed on this strategy and that he had secured the consent of his Issei-kai colleagues. Despite past tensions, including a notable clash over a consumption tax increase during Noda’s tenure as Prime Minister and subsequent departure from the Democratic Party in 2012, Ozawa maintained that focusing on past conflicts would hinder party unity. He argued that past disputes should be set aside for the sake of collective progress.
Noda, addressing reporters in Chiba Prefecture on the same day, echoed a sentiment of shared determination despite previous conflicts, stating that their common goal was to seize power despite past challenges. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen among some of Noda’s closest allies. They worry that Ozawa’s endorsement might reinforce perceptions of Noda’s return to his Democratic Party roots, potentially impacting his campaign’s appeal.
As the leadership race progresses, the implications of Ozawa’s support and its effect on Noda’s candidacy will likely become clearer, shaping the future direction of the CDP.