The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) was a major political party in Japan, founded in 1996. It aimed to provide an alternative to the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) by promoting policies focused on social welfare, economic reform, and democratic governance. The DPJ gained prominence in the late 2000s, winning the general election in 2009 and forming a government. However, the party faced challenges during its time in power, including economic issues and internal divisions. In 2016, the DPJ merged with other opposition parties to form the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), marking a significant shift in the Japanese political landscape.