"Koizumi's children" are making their ways out of the nest and into the factionalized world of the Liberal Democratic Party.
The 82 junior LDP lawmakers, considered the new face of the party and the darlings of the media -- who gave the group their name -- are no longer a cohesive body. Some have joined factions, against Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's strong urgings, and others have formed what they call "an antifaction" group.
The LDP gained 83 junior lawmakers in last September's general election. They formed the "83-kai" group soon afterward to hold discussions and other events. One lawmaker has since resigned.