Despite the last-minute announcement, Shiga Gov. Yukiko Kada's Nippon Mirai no To (Japan Future Party) political group is the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes preparation, and its advent spells trouble for the hopes of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) to become the main third political force.
"There were lots of voices saying they had no choice from among the various political parties, and they said they wanted a true 'third force' party," Kada said in explaining her reason for forming Mirai no To after months of consultations with Shiga politicians and voters.
Mirai no To's prime campaign pledge is to end all reliance on nuclear power in 10 years. In addition, Kada, one of only three female governors, is emphasizing a greater role for women in society. While not officially opposed to raising the consumption tax, she is calling for the elimination of wasteful public spending first.