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Japanese liberalism formed in the nineteenth century as a reaction against traditional society. In the twentieth century 'liberal' gradually became a synonym for conservative, and today the main conservative party in the country is named Liberal Democratic Party (Jiyu Minshuto). The Democratic Party (Minshuto) was considered in part a left-of-center social-liberal party, as are most parties which derived from it. The liberal character of the Liberal League (Jiyu Rengo) is disputed, as it is also considered to be conservative by some. Liberals in Japan are generally considered united by one major factor: their opposition to changing the post-World War II constitution forbidding the creation of a national military.[1] This article is limited to liberalparties with substantial support, proved by having had representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ means a reference to another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary that parties labelled themselves `liberal`.
The timeline
From Public Society of Patriots until Constitutional Politics Party
1927: The Constitutional Association merged with the ⇒ Authentic Constitutional Party of Political Friendship into the Constitutional Democratic Party (Rikken Minseito)
1940: The party is dissolved by the regime
Authentic Constitutional Party of Political Friendship
1994: The Renewal Party merged with other factions into the New Frontier Party (Shinshinto)
1997: The New Frontier Party fell apart into many parties, among them since 1998 the Liberal Party (Jiyuto), but also the Good Governance Party (Minseito), the New Fraternity Party (Shinto-Yuai) and the Democratic Reform Party (Minshu-Kaikaku-Rengo)
2000: Dissidents of the Liberal Party formed the New Conservative Party (Hoshuto)
2003: The Liberal Party merged into the ⇒ Democratic Party of Japan
2018: The remaining Democratic Party merged with Kibō no Tō and form the Democratic Party for the People (Kokumin Minshutō, 国民民主党), which includes liberals and conservatives.
Liberal leaders
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