都民ファとの連携協議を了承　合流視野、参院選候補を一本化―国民

　国民民主党は１７日の両院議員総会で、東京都の小池百合子知事が特別顧問を務める地域政党「都民ファーストの会」と、連携強化に向けた協議入りすることを了承した。両党の代表、幹事長間で合流も視野に、夏の参院選の候補者一本化を調整する。（2022/01/17-18:21）

The opposition Democratic Party for the People, at a meeting of its lawmakers on Monday, approved a plan to hold talks with regional political party Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites first group) to bolster cooperation.
   With an eye toward merging the two parties, the leaders and secretary-generals of the DPFP and Tomin First will work on fielding unified candidates for this summer's election for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of Japan's parliament.
   Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike currently serves as special adviser to Tomin First.
   "While there are no predetermined plans, we hope to kick off honest talks on boosting cooperation in various fields." DPFP leader Yuichiro Tamaki told reporters.
   Noting that it is crucial for the two sides to be satisfied with the outcome of the discussions to join forces at the election, Tamaki indicated that he will engage in careful talks.