New Komeito seeks quid pro quo from LDP.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun/Daily Yomiuri)

New Komeito seeks quid pro quo from LDP

Yomiuri

New Komeito has shifted its stance on certain issues over which it was once at odds with its ruling coalition partner, the Liberal Democratic Party, in hope of effecting its own plans in return.

The party backed by Japan's largest lay Buddhist organization has shown itself willing to go along with the LDP on issues concerning the Constitution and national security that New Komeito was long cautious about. These include upgrading the Defense Agency to ministry status and revising the Fundamental Law of Education.

Observers say the party, which …