Shizuka Kamei

Despite a lingering reluctance by some of them, Kamei proposed the move Aug. 15 after offering to step down as head of his LDP faction because of his opposition to the bills, as Kamei faction members had found themselves in a bind before the Lower House election.

The sources said Kamei, a former LDP policy affairs chief, wanted to announce the creation of the new party possibly within a week, if he can find enough people to join it.

One party name being floated is Shinto (New Party) Nippon, and Kamei is thinking of naming Tamisuke Watanuki, a former Lower House speaker, as its leader, the sources said.

But it remains unclear if Kamei can garner enough support for his idea. Some lawmakers are reluctant to join and have told him they plan to run as independents, the sources said.

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 20, 2005
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