New Komeito, still reeling from its losses in the Aug. 30 election, including the failure of its president and secretary general to win re-election, named policy chief Natsuo Yamaguchi as its new leader Sept. 7.

"I want to devote myself to rebuilding the party," Yamaguchi, 57, said. "I believe that all of us Diet members in the party are ready to cooperate and become mighty warriors. I humbly hold everyone's expectations and am ready to do my best."

Taking a pounding along with its partner, the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito lost 10 seats, including in all eight of its single-seat districts. President Akihiro Ota and Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa were among the defeated. The two parties tumbled after about 10 years of partnership.