The largest faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, which until recently was headed by former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, is having trouble selecting its new leader. Turmoil in the faction, known as the Heisei Study Group, indicates further erosion of the LDP's factional politics.
It all started last month when allegations surfaced that Mr. Hashimoto had received an under-the-table political donation -- a check for 100 million yen -- from the Japan Dentists Federation (Nisshiren), the lobby for the Japan Dental Association. Mr. Hashimoto has resigned as the faction's leader and left the group.
Later this month the faction will set up an executive council that will comprise current executive officers and new, younger members. The "collective leadership system" reflects, on one hand, growing differences of opinion between senior members and, on the other, junior and middle-ranking ones who are calling for a generational change. The council is likely to select the new leader through consultation.