As speculation grows that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will dissolve the Lower House for a snap election early in 2017, Democratic Party leader Renho is seen cozying up with popular Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, whom she had harshly criticized only few months ago.
Renho's move reflects her concern over the low popularity of her party and the rising worries among DP members over what would happen if Koike were to found a new party of her own.
"I truly marvel at the success she has made in bringing to light the failure of her predecessors to tackle their challenges head-on. I'd be happy to cooperate if there is anything I can do," Renho said of Koike as she spoke to reporters in Okawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Sunday.