The ruling coalition parties lost a majority in the House of Councilors and the DPJ is required to have policy discussions with opposition parties more closely and frequently than ever.
Japan faces a host of challenges and has no time to lose to take neccessary policy measures. In particular, comprehensive reform of tax, fiscal and social security system is the most serious and pressing challenge which demands bipartisan efforts. As responsible political entities, opposition parties need to participate in discussions from the perspective of the national interest.