TOKYO — Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday to select seats in the upper house of parliament. This election is crucial for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his ruling coalition, as they face the potential for significant setbacks that could lead to increased political instability in the country.
Voters are casting their ballots for half of the 248 seats in the upper chamber, which holds less power compared to the lower house. Early results are expected to be released later on Sunday. Ishiba has set modest goals, aiming for a simple majority of 125 seats. His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its smaller coalition partner Komeito, needs to secure at least 50 additional seats to maintain influence in the Diet.
This marks a considerable drop from the 141 seats the coalition held prior to the election, and media polls are predicting substantial losses for Ishiba. While a poor performance won’t instantly trigger a government change—since the upper house cannot vote to censure the leader—it would certainly deepen doubts about his future and Japan’s political landscape. Within the LDP, there may be pressure for Ishiba to step down or seek a new coalition partner if the situation worsens.
Economic issues like rising prices, stagnant wages, and expensive social security payments are top concerns for voters grappling with financial difficulties. Tighter regulations aimed at foreign residents and visitors have also become a significant topic, particularly as a populist right-wing party gains momentum.
This election follows the coalition’s loss of a majority in the lower house last October, which was influenced by previous corruption scandals. Ishiba’s unpopular government has been forced to compromise with the opposition to pass measures but has struggled to implement effective solutions for rising costs, notably in staples like rice.
President Donald Trump has added pressure, expressing dissatisfaction with slow progress in trade negotiations and the lack of sales for American cars and rice in Japan, particularly since a 25% tariff is set to take effect soon. Ishiba’s resistance to compromise before the election raises further uncertainties, making it harder for a minority government to reach consensus with the opposition.
Frustrated voters have turned to emerging populist parties. However, the eight main opposition groups remain too fractured to present a united front that could challenge the ruling coalition effectively. The rising populist party Sanseito is making waves with its “Japan First” platform, which advocates for stricter policies regarding foreigners, as well as traditional gender roles and skepticism towards globalization and vaccinations.
The conservative to centrist opposition, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), has gained notable ground at the expense of the LDP but is also unable to unite under a single platform. There are concerns about an increase in xenophobic rhetoric during the campaign, stirring protests from human rights activists and raising alarms among foreign residents.
The LDP has largely shaped Japan’s post-war political landscape, contributing to its political stability and social conformity. Voters find themselves torn between a desire for stability and calls for change, with some expressing worries over rising xenophobia.
Yuko Tsuji, a 43-year-old consultant, supported the LDP for its promise of stability and said she voted for candidates who promote unity rather than division. “If the ruling party fails to govern effectively, the conservative base might lean towards extremes. I voted hoping that they get back on track,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Daiichi Nasu, a 57-year-old freelancer, emphasized his hope for a more inclusive society with progressive immigration and gender policies. “That’s why I voted for the CDPJ. I want to see progress in those areas,” he said.
