Super-Large "National Power Study Group" Supporting PM Takaichi Formed with Over 340 Lawmakers

(Central News Agency reporter Dai Yazhen, Tokyo, 21st exclusive report) A super-large parliamentary alliance, the "National Power Study Group" (JiB), supporting Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, was formed within Japan's LDP today. In a short period, it attracted over 340 lawmakers, accounting for more than 80% of the LDP's Diet members. It is widely regarded as a "Takaichi faction" focused on next year's LDP presidential election, drawing considerable attention and debate. The "National Power Study Group" (JiB) takes its name from Takaichi Sanae's study group "Japan's Power Study Group," established in November 2023, and her book "National Power Study: Making the Japanese Archipelago Stronger and Richer," published in August 2024. "JiB" is also an acronym for JAPAN IS BACK, a slogan Takaichi used in the party presidential election. According to reports from Sankei Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun, the "National Power Study Group" held its inaugural meeting in the Diet this afternoon, with former Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato serving as chairman. In his address, he stated that the group would support the Takaichi administration and unite to meet the expectations of the public. The initiators include LDP Vice President Taro Aso, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Policy Research Council Chairman Takayuki Kobayashi, among 11 others. Aso also serves as the supreme advisor, Koichi Hagiuda, acting Secretary-General of the LDP, serves as Secretary-General, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara serves as Secretary-General for administrative affairs. According to the group's information, the current number of members is close to 350. The LDP has 417 Diet members in both houses, meaning over 80% of them have joined the "National Power Study Group." A member involved in the organization admitted that the formation of the group, by attracting influential party members, also aimed to lay the groundwork for the LDP presidential election next autumn and to push for Takaichi's "uncontested re-election." Sanae Takaichi succeeded Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last year as LDP President, with her term lasting until September next year. However, what was originally intended to consolidate Takaichi's party base has taken an unexpected turn due to the excessive number of participants. Former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Ryota Takeda recently announced that all members of his policy group would participate, and many unexpected lawmakers also joined, ultimately expanding it into a super-large parliamentary alliance of over 340 people. Relevant sources admitted, "This has completely turned into a 'group-hugging operation,' and the focus has been blurred, making the group lose its original meaning." Some participating lawmakers also expressed passive attitudes. One lawmaker said, "This is practically like a second general meeting of both houses; it probably won't become a platform for the presidential election or political maneuvering." On the other hand, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama did not participate. Former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Seiichiro Murakami, who is closely associated with Ishiba, even criticized it as being like the wartime "Imperial Rule Assistance Association," further escalating the turmoil within the party.