#JAPAN: Resolution Urges Resignation Of Opposition Legislator Who Urged War With Russia To Regain Disputed Islands

[world politics news]

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito have jointly submitted to the Diet, Japan's parliament, a resolution rebuking an opposition lawmaker who suggested that Japan wage war with Russia to regain control over a group of disputed islands.

In the resolution, the ruling coalition said the comment made by lawmaker Hodaka Maruyama “runs counter to pacifism” and “significantly undermines Japan’s national interest,” describing it as “absolutely intolerable.” The parties closed their resolution by urging him to “reflect seriously on” what he said. Japan Innovation Party expelled him for his comments.

For his part, Marumara said he "could not" resign, and said the Diet, as a place for free speech, is "signing its own death warrant" with the motion.

[FULL STORY HERE AND HERE]

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#JAPAN: New Merger Creates Oppo. Political Party With Left-Leaning Policies

[world politics news]

The party to be formed through the merger of Japan's two leading opposition camps is set to fill its top ranks with left-leaning lawmakers, including a young woman as policy chief. Shiori Yamao, 41, of the Democratic Party of Japan, a second-term lawmaker in the Diet's lower house, will replace a conservative-leaning policy chief when the DPJ merges with the Japan Innovation Party, forming what will be called the Democratic Party.

#JAPAN: Hashimoto Considers Launching New Regional Party

[world politics news]

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who also serves as senior adviser to the Japan Innovation Party he helped found, has expressed interest in forming an all-Kansai region party as early as September, which could split the party into eastern and western Japan factions.

#JAPAN: Opposition Japan Innovation Party Elects Yorihisa Matsuno New Leader

[world politics news]

Japan's second-largest party, the Japan Innovation Party, elected Yorihisa Matsuno as its new leader Tuesday after the resignation of his predecessor over a failed bid by a local party group to reorganize the Osaka city administration.

#JAPAN: #Hashimoto Resigns Innovation Party to "Focus on Local Elections"

[world politics news]

In a move likely to further weaken the Japan Innovation Party, influential Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto has resigned as the party's co-leader, ostensibly to focus on local elections in April. The party was the result of a party split in 2014, and there has been strife inside the Innovation Party.

#JAPAN: Restoration and Unity Parties Merge to Form "Japan Innovation Party"; Third Largest in Diet

[world politics news]