LDP Freshman Lawmakers Form 'Rokumeikai,' Expected to be a Key Base for Takaichi
Sixty-two newly elected LDP lawmakers have formed 'Rokumeikai' to support Sanae Takaichi. The group, composed of 'Takaichi Children' who won seats due to her popularity, is seen as a significant political foundation for the factionless leader.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 13:48
- 🔍 Collected: April 26, 2026 at 14:01 (13 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 26, 2026 at 14:07 (5 min after Collected)
Tokyo (Kyodo) — In this year's House of Representatives election, many LDP candidates won seats for the first time riding on the popularity of Sanae Takaichi. Now, 62 of these 'Takaichi-affiliated' lawmakers have established a group called 'Rokumeikai.' Analysts suggest this new group will become an essential foundation for Takaichi's political future.
According to Kyodo News, Rokumeikai held a gathering at a hotel near the National Diet on the 23rd. Takaichi, who previously claimed not to be good at such gatherings, made a surprise appearance and encouraged the junior members, saying, 'I hope everyone does their best during this term and works hard to achieve results.'
In the February general election, the LDP won 316 seats, with 66 being first-time winners, making up over 20% of the party's representatives. Of these, 62 have joined Rokumeikai. Excluding four members who previously served in the House of Councillors, almost all new representatives have joined. Masayoshi Saijo, 71, a representative from the North Kanto proportional block and the oldest among the newcomers, has been appointed chairman.
Explaining the name, Saijo said, 'We are called Takaichi-affiliated lawmakers. When you think of the Prime Minister, you think of Nara, and when you think of Nara, you think of the deer in Nara Park. Deer alert their companions when they sense danger.' He expressed a desire for unity among peers through this name.
While Takaichi's cabinet maintains relatively high support, she has long been factionless, and her base within the party was considered weak. This new group is expected to bolster her position. Takaichi's strong conservative stance resonates with groups like the 'Association to Protect Japan's Dignity and National Interest.' As new and re-elected members join, her influence continues to expand. Close aides are also calling on senior party members to join a new parliamentary league currently in preparation.
According to Kyodo News, Rokumeikai held a gathering at a hotel near the National Diet on the 23rd. Takaichi, who previously claimed not to be good at such gatherings, made a surprise appearance and encouraged the junior members, saying, 'I hope everyone does their best during this term and works hard to achieve results.'
In the February general election, the LDP won 316 seats, with 66 being first-time winners, making up over 20% of the party's representatives. Of these, 62 have joined Rokumeikai. Excluding four members who previously served in the House of Councillors, almost all new representatives have joined. Masayoshi Saijo, 71, a representative from the North Kanto proportional block and the oldest among the newcomers, has been appointed chairman.
Explaining the name, Saijo said, 'We are called Takaichi-affiliated lawmakers. When you think of the Prime Minister, you think of Nara, and when you think of Nara, you think of the deer in Nara Park. Deer alert their companions when they sense danger.' He expressed a desire for unity among peers through this name.
While Takaichi's cabinet maintains relatively high support, she has long been factionless, and her base within the party was considered weak. This new group is expected to bolster her position. Takaichi's strong conservative stance resonates with groups like the 'Association to Protect Japan's Dignity and National Interest.' As new and re-elected members join, her influence continues to expand. Close aides are also calling on senior party members to join a new parliamentary league currently in preparation.