As the Liberal Democratic Party continues to grapple with internal tensions and questions about its future, speculation over the possibility of Nippon Ishin no Kai becoming the third ruling coalition partner has grown.
Last week, when agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Nippon Ishin leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, who also serves as Osaka governor, visited the Osaka Expo, they acted more like colleagues than political rivals.
“I've always trusted Koizumi. Whether he becomes LDP president is another matter, but, personally, I trust him,” Yoshimura told reporters on Aug. 21 during a press briefing with both men.
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