Japan's LDP ahead in polls

Japan's Liberation Democratic Party has taken a prevailing lead in the polls, according to numbers released on Monday, at a time that smaller, new parties have also gained momentum.

All of this comes just days after the Japanese parliament was dissolved on Nov 16.

Observers said the new right-wing parties, including Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto's Japan Restoration Party, are likely to be reshuffled and merged. Their durability will be put to the test when they compete against older parties.