Nippon Ishin made headlines with the appointment of Seiji Maehara as party co-representative in a recent meeting of party lawmakers, with many expressing apprehension about the move. Maehara, a seasoned politician in his 11th term as a Lower House member, has previously led opposition parties such as the Democratic Party of Japan and the Democratic Party.
Hirofumi Yoshimura, the newly elected party leader, expressed his reliance on Maehara's experience and accomplishments as he takes on the dual responsibilities of being the governor of Osaka and leading the party. Despite his late entry into Nippon Ishin just before the Lower House election, Maehara's political career has been marked by transitions between various parties and leadership roles. Additionally, his past actions, such as proposing a merger with another party, have led to splits within the opposition camp.