April was an unusual month for politics as several new parties debuted in short order.
One is Shinto Kaikaku (New Renaissance Party), launched by Liberal Democratic Party defector Yoichi Masuzoe, who has often been the public's pick for prime minister in opinion polls. Another is Tachiagare Nippon (Sunrise Party of Japan), formed by former trade minister Takeo Hiranuma and former Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano, also both ex-LDP. Former local government heads set up Nippon Soshinto (Spirit of Japan Party).