The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) has decided to nominate Renho, a high-profile former member, as their candidate in the upcoming Upper House election. This comes after Renho briefly left the party to run as an independent in Tokyo’s gubernatorial race last year—a move that raised eyebrows but didn’t seem to burn bridges. Now, she’s back in the fold, signaling the CDP’s push to leverage her name recognition and experience.

Editor’s Note: Renho’s return to the CDP lineup is a strategic play. She’s a well-known figure with a mixed but attention-grabbing track record, and her candidacy could energize the party’s base—or at least stir up media buzz. For voters, it’s a sign the opposition is trying to regroup, but whether this translates into real momentum remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a storyline worth watching in Japan’s shifting political landscape.