Lower House member Masaru Wakasa, a close ally to Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, announced Monday that he has launched a political group called Nippon First no Kai (Japan First), a development observers say could significantly change the political landscape.
The new group will hold its first rally next month with Koike attending as the main speaker.
Koike, who led Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First) to a landslide victory in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election last month, has long been believed to be considering transitioning to national politics by forming a new party.