Instead of the originally announced Komura, Abe has sent the leader of the New Komeito Party, YAMAGUCHI Natsuo.

FORBES: Connect

He warned the lists might constitute a violation of election laws. (Such civil action is legal until election campaigning formally starts, which is June 12.) The New Komeito party, a coalition partner of the LDP, sent Wave 21 a note hinting it may file a defamation suit.

CNN: From Our Correspondent: A Gift From Korea

But he is an outspoken critic of the ruling alliance with New Komeito Party, and thus its leader, Kanzaki Takenori, finds him unacceptable.

CNN: Taking Over