On the night of March 14, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice-President Aso Taro, Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu, and former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo dined together at a French restaurant in Tokyo. They reportedly exchanged opinions about the Upper House election to be held this summer. They each head an LDP intraparty faction, and this was the first time for them to share a meal together since Dec. 22, 2021.

According to a person at the dinner, Motegi explained the situation surrounding the Upper House election and the three LDP heavyweights confirmed each faction will win the election in a responsible manner. They also discussed individual constituencies and reportedly talked about the LDP’s relationship with the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP).