ABSTRACT
Any Green party in Japan that seeks urban political support is confronted not only by strong political machines but also by Old Politics parties that embrace certain aspects of ecological issues. In the 1960s and 1970s, the established opposition parties increased their urban support partly by championing stricter environmental protection. The LDP responded to this electoral challenge by becoming more sensitive to environmental issues. Thus, it is not easy for NET to woo urban support and expand its electoral power on the basis of environmental protection, especially when all established parties are also supportive of environmental protection.
