Former trade minister Takeo Hiranuma and four other ex-Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers launched a new party Saturday in a bid to create a viable alternative to the dominant players ahead of this summer's Upper House election.
The party, Tachiagare Nippon, is founded on a pledge to chart a clear path for economic growth and fiscal rehabilitation, including drastic tax reform entailing a consumption tax hike.
Although the party's name literally translates as "Stand Up, Japan," party members at a news conference in Tokyo revealed its English name will be "The Sunrise Party of Japan."
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.