Ex-Tokyo Gov. Ishihara launches new party

Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara launched a new party Tuesday, jointly headed by himself and veteran lawmaker Takeo Hiranuma, in the run-up to a general election that must be held by next summer.

The party, named Taiyo no To (Party of the Sun), incorporates all five members of the conservative opposition Sunrise Party of Japan headed by Hiranuma.

The 80-year-old Ishihara, known for his nationalistic views, is aiming to form a "third force" to challenge the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party in the looming House of Representatives election.