An internal conflict within Japan’s ruling party has reportedly intensified, raising uncertainties about the party’s future and fueling concerns that Japan’s already beleaguered political scene could experience greater turmoil in the coming weeks, The Wall Street Journal says. The newspaper says tension within the Democratic Party of Japan has risen after a party elder linked to a campaign fund-related scandal refused to appear before an ethics panel in the Diet, Japan’s parliament. Ichiro Ozawa’s refusal reinforces the image of Japan’s leaders as weak during challenges, WSJ notes. Japanese media report that Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan will be meeting Ozawa to attempt to persuade him to appear before the ethics panel. WSJ adds that some analysts and lawmakers are speculating that Ozawa may leave DPJ before the year ends, taking several loyalists with him.
Printing articles to share with others is a breach of our terms and conditions and copyright policy. Please use the sharing options on the left side of the article. Devex Pro members may share up to 10 articles per month using the Pro share tool ( ).
About the author
Ivy Mungcal
As former senior staff writer, Ivy Mungcal contributed to several Devex publications. Her focus is on breaking news, and in particular on global aid reform and trends in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Before joining Devex in 2009, Ivy produced specialized content for U.S. and U.K.-based business websites.
