Key Facts
• On August 26, Junya Ogawa, Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party, expressed concern over declining party support.
• A joint poll by Sankei Shimbun and FNN on August 23-24 showed party support rates:
| Party | Support Rate |
|————————|————–|
| Sanseito | 9.9% |
| Democratic Party for the People | 9.3% |
| Constitutional Democratic Party | 5.2% |
| Japan Innovation Party | 4.0% |
| Reiwa Shinsengumi | 3.9% |
• Ogawa described the situation as a “comparison of acorns” and emphasized the need to enhance the party’s significance.
• He acknowledged the loss of the “largest opposition party effect,” which traditionally attracts anti-ruling party votes.
• Ogawa highlighted the party’s failure to gain support from young and unaffiliated voters.
• On foreign policy, Ogawa stressed distancing from exclusionary or discriminatory stances while addressing specific issues like over-tourism and foreign license conversions.
• He expressed openness to collaboration with Sanseito on shared policies like fuel tax reductions.
Summary
Junya Ogawa, Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party, addressed the party’s declining support rates during an August 26 press conference. A recent poll revealed the party trailing behind Sanseito and the Democratic Party for the People, with a support rate of 5.2%. Ogawa described the competition among opposition parties as a “comparison of acorns” and acknowledged the loss of the “largest opposition party effect.” He emphasized the need to redefine the party’s purpose and improve its appeal, particularly among young and unaffiliated voters. On foreign policy, Ogawa rejected exclusionary stances while advocating for solutions to specific issues like over-tourism. He also expressed willingness to collaborate with Sanseito on shared policies, such as fuel tax reductions. The party faces significant challenges in regaining its position as the leading opposition force.
