Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda recently declared his candidacy for the presidency of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, signaling his return to the political arena. Noda, currently serving as one of the party's chief executive advisers, made his announcement in Narashino, Chiba Prefecture, with a determination to reclaim the position of prime minister.
During his brief tenure as prime minister from September 2011, Noda led the now-defunct Democratic Party of Japan and is now looking to position himself as a key player in the opposition party's leadership. He emphasized his commitment to political reforms, including a clear stance against the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and a strong push for a change in government leadership.
As the campaign officially kicks off on September 7, Noda is set to face off against Yukio Edano, a former CDP President, in the party's presidential election. Noda highlighted his critique of the LDP, particularly referencing their slush fund scandal and their perceived inadequacies in governance, signaling his intention to champion political reform and tackle issues like "hereditary politics" and the size of the Diet.