Junya Ogawa, leader of the Centrist Reform Union, called for the creation of a consultative body on Thursday to discuss a three-party merger [1].

The proposal seeks to unify the Centrist Reform Union, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Komeito into a larger political force. This move aims to shift the image of these parties away from being mere election mutual-aid societies and toward a cohesive alternative to the current administration.

Ogawa said the current fragmented state of the parties is undesirable from the perspective of voters. He said he would do his utmost to reach a certain level of consensus among the three groups [1]. The effort follows a period of significant loss for the Centrist Reform Union during the House of Representatives election held in February 2026 [1].

Ogawa said a vessel to replace the current administration is absolutely necessary. He said that the center-liberal forces must discuss organizational challenges from a perspective of what is best for the nation and its citizens [3].

Responses from the targeted parties vary. Komeito leader Takeya said it is desirable to establish a direction within such a consultative body [1]. However, reports on the Constitutional Democratic Party are contradictory. Some sources indicate that party member Shunichi Mizuoka expressed a willingness to agree to the body's establishment [2]. Other reports state the party remains cautious and that no formal discussions have taken place [3].

Ogawa said that the three parties share a common recognition that the status quo cannot continue indefinitely [1]. The proposed body would be tasked with coordinating policies, and electoral districts, to create a structure that is more appealing to the electorate [2].

“"The current fragmented state of the parties is undesirable from the perspective of voters."”

This proposal represents an attempt to consolidate Japan's fragmented center-liberal opposition into a viable governing alternative. By seeking a formal merger or coordination body, the Centrist Reform Union is attempting to recover from its February 2026 electoral losses and create a unified front that can challenge the ruling power through coordinated policy and district management.