The alliance between the Democratic Party of Japan and the reshaped Kokumin Shinto (People's New Party) got off to a shaky start Friday as both parties tried to move on after dealing with internal conflict created by the consumption tax bill.
Kokumin Shinto officially appointed Shozaburo Jimi, state minister in charge of financial and postal issues, as its leader Friday after firing Shizuka Kamei for opposing Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's tax hike and declaring the party would exit the coalition.
Kamei later Friday announced departure from the party.
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