[Breaking News]Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 22 Kyodo - Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, hold a press conference following the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8. (Kyodo)

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi speaks at a debate session with the leaders of six other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi speaks at a debate session with the leaders of six other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi speaks at a debate session with the leaders of six other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi attend a debate session with the leaders of five other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

(from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi, Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi attend a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

Debate by leaders of Japanese political parties

(from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister and Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi, Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi attend a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, a day before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election starts.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, attends a debate with leaders of other political parties at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese political parties' leaders

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C), who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, poses with leaders of other political parties before a debate session at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026. Participants of the debate session set prior to a general election on Feb. 8 are (from L) Japanese Communist Party leader Tomoko Tamura, Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki, Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda, (from 5th from L) Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita, Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya and Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Akiko Oishi.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (5th from R, back row) and other leaders of Japan's political parties pose for a picture with high school students after taking part in a debate sponsored by video-sharing service Niconico in Tokyo on Jan. 24, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) speaks during a debate with other leaders of Japan's political parties, sponsored by video-sharing service Niconico, in Tokyo on Jan. 24, 2026, ahead of a general election on Feb. 8. (Pool photo)

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (5th from R) and other leaders of Japan's political parties pose after taking part in a debate sponsored by video-sharing service Niconico in Tokyo on Jan. 24, 2026, ahead of a general election on Feb. 8. (Pool photo)

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (5th from R) and other leaders of Japan's political parties take part in a debate sponsored by video-sharing service Niconico in Tokyo on Jan. 24, 2026, ahead of a general election on Feb. 8. (Pool photo)

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (5th from R) and other leaders of Japan's political parties take part in a debate sponsored by video-sharing service Niconico in Tokyo on Jan. 24, 2026, ahead of a general election on Feb. 8. (Pool photo)

[Breaking News]Inauguration of Japan's new opposition party

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 23 Kyodo - Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, raise their fists during the new opposition party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. (Kyodo)

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap electionn

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap electionn

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito (R), co-leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, leave parliament after a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house during the session for a snap election on Feb. 8.

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap election

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap election

Yoshihiko Noda (R) and Tetsuo Saito (C), co-leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, are pictured in parliament ahead of a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house during the session for a snap election on Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, raise their fists during the new opposition party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (C, L) and Tetsuo Saito (C, R), co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, raise their fists during the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers have joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, hold a press conference following the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda (L) and Tetsuo Saito, co-leaders of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, wave at the end of the party's inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron flanked by French junior Minister in charge of Europe Benjamin Haddad speaks to business leaders at the Business France event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron flanked by French junior Minister in charge of Europe Benjamin Haddad speaks to business leaders at the Business France event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron flanked by French junior Minister in charge of Europe Benjamin Haddad speaks to business leaders at the Business France event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron at the Business France event during World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron flanked by French junior Minister in charge of Europe Benjamin Haddad speaks to business leaders at the Business France event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Secretary General of the French Presidency Emmanuel Moulin during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French businessman Maurice Levy and French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron near French businessman Maurice Levy and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation and Centre for Cybersecurity Jeremy Jurgens sign an AI agreement during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Secretary General of the French Presidency Emmanuel Moulin during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French businessman Maurice Levy and French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French businessman Maurice Levy and French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron near French businessman Maurice Levy and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation and Centre for Cybersecurity Jeremy Jurgens sign an AI agreement during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French businessman Maurice Levy and French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French businessman Maurice Levy and French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron near French businessman Maurice Levy and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation and Centre for Cybersecurity Jeremy Jurgens sign an AI agreement during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron near French businessman Maurice Levy and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation and Centre for Cybersecurity Jeremy Jurgens sign an AI agreement during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French businessman Maurice Levy and French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

Macron and with leaders of AI companies at World Economic Forum annual meeting - Davos

French President Emmanuel Macron and Managing Director and Head of the Forum's Centre for Frontier Technologies and Innovation and Centre for Cybersecurity Jeremy Jurgens during a meeting with leaders of AI companies during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM