Komeito
The Komeito, or Clean Government Party, is the only party in postwar Japan with links to religion. Its sponsor, Soka Gakkai, is the laymen's affiliate of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. Founded on 17 November 1964, it defined itself as the "party of ordinary people," oriented toward low-income groups and women.
With a basically conservative philosophy, the party stressed a commitment to fundamental values. It advocated a program of social welfare to elevate the status of those at the bottom of the social pyramid. In foreign policy, the party advocated greater Japanese involvement in the promotion of global peace. The Komeito's success at the polls was due in large measure to the effective local organizational strength of Soka Gakkai. The Komeito came under criticism for the energetic proselytizing of Soka Gakkai, efforts that bordered on pressure and intimidation.
In 1994, the Komeito joined with a group of defectors from the Liberal Democratic Party to form the New Frontier Party. This party in turn broke up in 1997. Former Komeito members began to explore ways to revive the party, and in November 1998 they joined with the New Peace Party to form the New Komeito.
Further Reading
Hayes, Louis D. (2001) Introduction to Japanese Politics. 3d ed. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe.
Hrebenar, Ronald J. (2000) Japan's New Party System. 3d ed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
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