Defense & Security

Saito Indicates His Aim of Those Joining Centrist Reform Alliance Recognizing Constitutionality of Security-Related Laws

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito speaks to reporters after a meeting with the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan on Thursday.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

7:00 JST, January 20, 2026

Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito indicated Sunday his hope that lawmakers who recognize the security-related laws as constitutional and accept the restart of nuclear power plants will join the new party, the Centrist Reform Alliance.

While he said, “We will not adopt a logic of excluding anyone,” these are likely to be seen as de facto conditions for participation.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Saito indicated the new party’s basic policies would include measures premised on the constitutionality of the security-related laws and acceptance of restarting nuclear power plants. “We hope those who agree with this will join [the new party],” he said.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, which formed the new party together with Komeito, had advocated for the “abolition of unconstitutional parts” of the security-related laws in its campaign pledges for last July’s House of Councillors election.