Japanese opposition parties confront session‑extension dispute and internal crises

National Democratic Party leader Tamaki warned that extending the current Diet session would “affect the authority of the government,” after Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara said no extension was needed. Tamaki criticised the lack of coordination between the government and the Diet and questioned the handling of the “sub‑capital” bill that some parties are pushing.

Meanwhile, the Centrist Reform Union, six months after its formation, is struggling with leadership, funding shortages and policy disagreements with partner parties. The party’s poor performance in the recent lower‑house election and internal divisions have raised doubts about its future direction.