Japan’s shaky minority government looks poised for another setback in a crucial upper house vote this weekend, in the first national election since Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took office last year.

Tokyo

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has emphasized stability as his main message to voters during Japan's Upper House elections. He aims to regain control after a period of uncertainty and secure a majority for his party, promising a robust economy and improved quality of life. However, Ishiba faces significant challenges, including public dissatisfaction with his handling of trade negotiations with the US and rising living costs, particularly the price of rice, which has become a key election issue.

Despite these challenges, an immediate change in government is considered unlikely even if Ishiba's party fails to win a majority, as opposition groups lack sufficient support. However, a poor result could prompt a leadership change within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Japan holds Upper House elections in key test for PM Ishiba

Stability. This was the main message Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wanted to convey to the Japanese electorate during debates in early July. The politician was convinced voters that he can regain control after a year of uncertainty in order to win a majority in the Upper House of Parliament. Our party would like to claim the responsibility of this country. We would like to responsibly build a country with a robust economy, prosperous life and a solid sense of security. However he faces an uphill battle on the economic front. The Japanese public perceives him as clumsily negotiating tariffs with the US Trump administration that is still planning to set a 25% levy on Japanese goods come August 1st. The price of rice has also skyrocketed due to poor harvests and rising inflation while incomes have not kept pace. A Japanese diet staple, a sharp rise in cost means the grain factors directly into voting decisions. We had a politician who caused outrage by saying something like he had never bought rice before. So I want to vote for someone who truly understands and relates to the everyday lives of ordinary people. Someone who takes the current situation into account and stands by us. An immediate change in government is unlikely if Ishiba fails to achieve a majority because opposition groups do not have enough voter support. But failure could lead to a leadership change within his liberal Democratic Party.

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