With just a week to go until campaigning starts for the Dec. 16 general election, Shiga Gov. Yukiko Kada formally announced a new political group Tuesday that aims to get Japan out of nuclear power, create more opportunities for women and promote a work-life balance that makes it easier for families to raise children.
Kada immediately gained new recruits, as political don Ichiro Ozawa and his Kokumin Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's Life First) party have decided to disband and join her group.
"I think we'll merge (with Kada's party) after dissolving our party," Kenji Yamaoka, vice president of Ozawa's party, told reporters.