Japan's Centrist Reform Alliance disbands as opposition splits

Japan's main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA), has officially disbanded. Junya Ogawa, the alliance's leader, announced that 48 of the party's 49 House of Representatives lawmakers have resigned. Ogawa is also stepping down from his leadership position.

The split involves members from two primary groups: 28 lawmakers affiliated with the Komeito party will return to that party, while 21 members originated from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ). Ogawa intends to form a new party focused on 'democratic reform,' with Takeshi Shina serving as Secretary General. It remains uncertain if the remaining 20 former CDPJ lawmakers will join this new entity.

The CRA was established in January to serve as a centrist counterweight to the conservative administration led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. However, the alliance struggled in the February lower house elections, securing only 49 seats. Despite the dissolution, the CRA, the proposed new party, and Komeito aim to form a new parliamentary caucus to maintain their status as the largest opposition force in the lower house.