At its first-ever convention Saturday, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) introduced 33 candidates for this summer's Upper House election and a new platform that calls for revising the "Occupation Constitution," conserving the nation's "good traditions," and promoting a society based on regional creativity and free markets.
But with questions surrounding the health of 80-year-old coleader Shintaro Ishihara, who was only released from the hospital Friday more than a month after suffering a minor stroke, and policies similar to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the opposition Your Party, Nippon Ishin continues to face confusion about its future among voters, potential candidates and a growing number of its own members.
In its new platform adopted Saturday, Nippon Ishin said it will proudly embrace Japan's history and culture. "While conserving those traditions that are good, we will create an open society that mutually recognizes diverse values," the platform says.
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