tokyo new political party lead tokyo governor yuriko koike float populist slogans end nuclear power freeze sales tax hike ahead general election next month voters may find big policy gap rule liberal democratic party ldp koike party hope formally launch wednesday slick promotion video news conference could attract voters feel prime minister shinzo abe become complacent even arrogant nearly five years office new party add uncertainty election abe ldp-led coalition unlikely lose grip power weak show would erode abe clout make policy initiatives hard jeopardize hop become japan longest-serving premier much daylight koike party ldp say gerry curtis professor emeritus columbia university new york question impress voters competent competence character party hope share policy space conservative business-friendly ldp right wing main opposition democratic party often fractious mix conservatives liberals democrats struggle defections new party single-digit rat ask media report discuss merger tie-up democrats leader koike tell public broadcaster nhk interest rather party party welcome participation individuals share policies say add party approach many would-be candidates political analysts suggest koike might opt ally ldp election give policy similarities abe promise strong leadership cope japan fast-ageing population rise threat north korea bet ldp junior coalition partner keep majority parliament low house hold two-thirds super majority dissolve low house thursday vote expect oct. 22 63-year-old premier return power december 2012 rare second term promise bolster japan defense reboot deflation-plagued economy hyper-easy monetary policy spend reform make revise post-war pacifist constitution key plank long-term agenda koike 65 serve defense minister abe first 2006-07 cabinet defy ldp run successfully tokyo governor last year july novice local party hand ldp historic defeat tokyo assembly poll media-savvy former tv announcer often float candidate become japan first female premier look repeat success nationally say wednesday though run parliament time vague party hope platform unveil wednesday pledge tolerant conservative reform party break free vest interest protect public spend tax money wisely respect diversity koike however distance ldp two issue could resonate voters suggest freeze rise sales tax 10 percent percent 2019 call end nuclear power without say latter issue spark speculation koike could win back popular former prime minister junichiro koizumi advocate immediate end atomic energy abe contrast say go ahead tax hike divert revenue childcare education instead pay back public debt government plan keep atomic power basic energy source despite public concern 2011 fukushima nuclear crisis koike criticize prime minister abenomics growth policy make people feel good outline instead except speed reform abe koike hawkish security policy although say little lately except pledge practical diplomacy security policy base pacifism say debate inevitable revise post-war constitution limit divisive issue amend pacifist article abe want change clarify military status promise reform vest interest politics end governance back-room deal often resonate japanese voters periodically long change ldp rule japan past six decades japan new party challenge abe populist slogans little policy gap