Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito suffered a significant blow in the latest election, losing their majority in the Japanese parliament. This result, the worst for the coalition in over a decade, left them with 215 seats, falling short of the 233 seats needed to maintain control. LDP’s new leader, Shigeru Ishiba, who assumed the position just days before the election, acknowledged the result as a “harsh verdict” from the Japanese electorate. Despite this setback, Ishiba vowed to stay in office, with no immediate plans to expand the coalition to regain the majority.
Following the election outcome, Ishiba addressed the public, stressing that the LDP would “humbly” accept the message delivered by voters. “Voters have handed us a harsh verdict, and we have to humbly accept this result,” he remarked to NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster. He went on to state that Japanese citizens “expressed their strong desire for the LDP to do some reflection and become a party that acts in line with the people’s will.” The party’s approval ratings have been on a downward trend, partly due to recent scandals and what many see as unaddressed public concerns.
Speculation arose that Ishiba, whose tenure as prime minister began amid the ongoing controversies, might resign if the LDP lost its majority. Such a resignation could make Ishiba Japan’s shortest-serving post-war prime minister. However, Ishiba has resolved to confront the issues plaguing his party rather than stepping down. This marked the first time the LDP lost its majority since 2009, a notable development for a party that has dominated Japanese politics since its founding in 1955.
The LDP’s difficulties reflect a turbulent few years, with approval ratings plummeting below 20% earlier this year amid public discontent over a political funding scandal. The scandal involved accusations that numerous LDP lawmakers received significant funds from political events, leading to legal investigations. In response, Ishiba has pledged to address the issue directly. “We need to answer to the people’s criticism. That is how I will take responsibility for the loss of the election,” Ishiba said, adding that the LDP will enact fundamental reforms regarding the relationship between money and politics.
Aside from political reform, Ishiba promised economic measures to alleviate the challenges facing rural areas and tackle inflation. Economic hardships are pressing issues for many Japanese citizens, who are increasingly concerned with high prices and stagnant wages. The recent election results revealed growing frustration over rising costs, an issue the LDP must address if it hopes to restore public confidence.
On the opposition side, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), the largest rival to the LDP, won 148 seats, as confirmed by NHK around 02:00 JST. Although the CDP gained ground, opposition parties remain fragmented and have struggled to convince voters they are a viable alternative. The CDP’s approval rating sat at just 6.6% before parliament was dissolved, underscoring the public’s limited enthusiasm for the opposition’s approach. CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda expressed a desire to collaborate with other opposition groups to challenge the ruling party’s hold on power.
Miyuki Fujisaki, a long-time LDP supporter, shared her disillusionment with both the ruling and opposition parties. “It is so hard to make decisions to choose parties, I think people are losing interest,” she told the BBC before the polls opened. Fujisaki acknowledged the LDP’s corruption issues but pointed out that the opposition also lacked clarity. “They sure complain a lot, but it’s not at all clear on what they want to do,” she noted.
The stock market reacted swiftly to the election results, with the Nikkei 225 index rising by approximately 1.5% early on Monday, while the yen depreciated against the US dollar. Although there appears to be widespread voter apathy, political developments in Japan have accelerated in recent months. Ishiba rose to power after former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who served since 2021, abruptly announced his resignation in August. Under Ishiba’s leadership, the LDP has been eager to rebuild its image among voters, though achieving this goal appears increasingly challenging.
A sequence of scandals has tarnished the party’s standing. One of the most contentious issues involves the LDP’s alleged connections with the Unification Church, a group critics have labeled as a “cult” due to its influence over political figures. Additionally, revelations surrounding the political funding scandal have cast a long shadow over the LDP. Prosecutors have been examining claims that several LDP lawmakers misappropriated funds from political fundraisers, with amounts reaching millions of dollars. These allegations have led to the dissolution of powerful party factions, weakening the LDP’s internal cohesion.
Public sentiment reflects the mounting dissatisfaction with the LDP’s handling of economic and social issues. Michiko Hamada, a resident who attended an opposition rally at Urawa station on the outskirts of Tokyo, expressed her discontent with the ruling party. “What a wretched state the ruling party is in,” Hamada said, adding, “It is tax evasion and it’s unforgivable.” Her frustration resonates with a growing portion of the Japanese population who feel financially strained.
The economy is a pressing concern for many, as Japan faces its highest inflation rate in decades. Over the past two years, prices have increased rapidly, adding to the financial burden on households. Hamada noted how food expenses alone have increased by 10,000 to 20,000 yen ($65-$130) per month. “I’m not buying the things I used to buy. I am trying to save up but it still costs more. Things like fruit are very expensive,” she explained.
This sentiment is shared by many older citizens, including pensioners like Chie Shimizu, who now works part-time to supplement her income. “Our hourly wage has gone up a bit but it does not match the prices,” Shimizu told the BBC, highlighting the widening gap between earnings and the cost of living. She has resorted to seeking out affordable food options at local markets due to the soaring prices at regular stores.
Despite these economic grievances, the Japanese political landscape remains complex. While the LDP has lost ground, opposition parties have yet to fully capture the public’s confidence. The challenge for Ishiba and his party will be to address both the immediate concerns of rising costs and the underlying issues related to political accountability. With the CDP and other opposition factions struggling to consolidate their influence, Japan’s future leadership remains uncertain.
The latest election has signaled a clear message from the Japanese public: a call for change and a government that is more responsive to their needs. The LDP, a party steeped in history and tradition, now faces the difficult task of rebuilding trust.