The Momentum of "Faction Return" in the LDP is Intensifying, with Internal Concerns about a "Return to Faction Politics"

After the House of Representatives election, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has once again become the super majority party, has seen an increasing trend of "faction return." Former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Takeda Ryouta, recently attended a "celebration event" of the former Niijima faction and announced the establishment of a policy research group led by himself. Deputy President Asahina Taro, who helped bring about the Akiba administration, personally recruited new legislators, eager to expand his faction's influence. The resurgence of real power figures competing for "number strength" has raised strong concerns that the LDP may revert to the era of faction politics.

Recently, at a Japanese restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, more than 20 people, including former Secretary-General Niijima Toshio, gathered at the invitation of the retired Secretary-General Niijima Toshio. According to attendees, former Deputy Secretary-General of the faction, Hayashi Masaaki, proposed: "We hope Mr. Takeda will lead us forward," and the audience immediately responded with approval.

"Go ahead and do it as you like—this is the way of the Niijima faction," said Takeda after the meeting, expressing satisfaction, indicating that he had effectively received the nomination as the successor of the faction.

The Niijima faction has disbanded due to political funding scandals. Takeda, who previously served as the general secretary of the faction, stated: "Let go of the rigid factional consciousness and through legislative efforts by members of parliament, strive to serve the people and the nation." His wording was cautious, avoiding being seen as the revival of the old faction, but core members of the former Niijima faction openly stated: "This is a declaration of the establishment of the Takeda faction."

Takeda also plans to recruit new legislators and senators. According to LDP sources, this move is driven by his rivalry with Asahina: "Asahina's faction is growing stronger, and Mr. Takeda also wants to demonstrate his presence."

Asahina's Faction Expands Strongly, Vice President Personally Contacts New Members

Asahina's faction, holding key positions such as vice president and secretary-general, and serving as a backer of Prime Minister Akiba, has added 18 new members after the House of Representatives election, bringing the total to 60 members.

A young member received a call from a senior member of Asahina's faction: "Joining a faction is more beneficial; your proportional representation ranking will be given preferential treatment, and your request for committee assignments in the Diet will be easier to approve." When the member hesitated, the next day, he received a call directly from Asahina: "I suppose you have heard, our atmosphere here is very good." An hour later, the member decided to join. Another young member secretly boasted: "It's good to rely on a big tree."

Asahina's faction, as the "mainstream faction," continues to expand its influence. Regarding the formation of the Takeda faction, people close to Asahina showed a cold attitude: "It's just a gathering under the name of Niijima."

In February, the former Abe faction, led by the election strategy committee chairman Nishimura Kōtoku and acting secretary-general Hagiuda Koichi, held a dinner for more than 20 members. Senior members of Asahina's faction hoped to join forces with the former Abe faction, saying, "We hope to jointly establish the Akiba loyalist team," aiming to build a long-term ruling structure.

Within the former Kishida faction, former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, the group led by former election strategy committee chairman Kiwamu Seiji, and another group supporting Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Hayami Yoshinori separately held meetings, raising concerns about the faction's split. Kishida told those around him: "Everyone should expand their own circle, and come together at the upcoming decisive moment."

Internal Concerns: Returning to Old Problems, Faction Politics Should Be a Historical Term

Factions used to take responsibility for cultivating new legislators, and they had significant influence in government, ruling party, and parliamentary personnel arrangements. The root cause of the LDP's decline was the political and financial issues centered around factions. Against the backdrop of rising calls for the revival of factions, there are many opposing voices within the party. Former Foreign Minister Iwaya Masaru stated: "The term 'faction' should be an outdated word, and even temporary groups should not evolve into permanent factions." Senior party figures warned: "This action has a negative impact, and we must not return to the past state."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859020481278985/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.