Saturday's launch of marginal political party Tachiagare Nippon (The Sunrise Party of Japan) by former members of the Liberal Democratic Party has only accelerated the main opposition's downward spiral as lawmakers gear up for an Upper House election in July.
Even so, analysts say it's highly unlikely the new party will cause a major political realignment at this point.
"The launch of Tachiagare Nippon only damages the LDP and its reputation. Other than that it has no impact," noted political analyst Minoru Morita.