Japanese voters are heading to the polls today for a snap election amid a series of scandals, low approval ratings, and widespread voter apathy surrounding the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).The election was called by Shigeru Ishiba just three days after he was elected as the new leader of the LDP, prior to his official swearing-in as prime minister. This decision comes despite the party’s approval ratings dropping below 20% earlier this year due to a political fundraising corruption scandal.
While the LDP remains the leading party, opposition groups have struggled to unify and present a convincing alternative to voters. The main opposition party had an approval rating of only 6.6% before parliament was dissolved.“It’s hard to choose a party, and I think people are losing interest,” said Miyuki Fujisaki, a long-time LDP supporter in the care-home sector. “The LDP has its issues with alleged corruption, but the opposition doesn’t stand out either. They complain a lot, but it’s unclear what they want to do.”Despite this apathy, political dynamics in Japan have shifted rapidly in recent months. Ishiba succeeded Fumio Kishida, who unexpectedly stepped down in August after serving since 2021. Ishiba is hoping this election will help restore the LDP’s tarnished reputation, framing it as a “people’s verdict.”However, it’s uncertain whether this will rebuild public trust in a party that has been in power nearly continuously since 1955. The LDP’s reputation has been marred by scandals, particularly its connections to the controversial Unification Church, which critics label a “cult,” and the ongoing investigation into political funding corruption. Prosecutors are looking into numerous LDP lawmakers accused of misappropriating funds from political fundraising events, which has led to the disbanding of influential party factions.
“What a wretched state the ruling party is in,” remarked Michiko Hamada at an opposition rally near Tokyo. “It’s tax evasion, and it’s unforgivable.” This sentiment is echoed by many as they grapple with rising costs and stagnant wages, a phenomenon referred to as “the lost 30 years.”Recent months have seen further price increases for food and everyday necessities, leading to growing concerns among voters. “I now pay 10,000 to 20,000 yen ($65 to $130) more for food each month,” said Hamada. “I’m not buying what I used to, trying to save, but everything is still so costly.”Chie Shimizu, a pensioner, noted that she now works part-time to make ends meet. “Even though wages have increased a bit, they don’t match rising prices,” she said. “I look for cheaper options because regular shops are too expensive.” Shimizu, who hasn’t voted in years, is considering participating this time but is unsure who to support. “I can’t find anyone I want to vote for; I feel like no one is trustworthy.”With the LDP holding 247 of the 465 lower house seats, and its coalition partner Komeito holding 32, the stakes are high. A majority requires 233 seats, and concerns are growing that Komeito may not retain its standing, while the opposition has begun to gain traction.Jeff Kingston, a professor at Temple University Japan, commented, “The LDP has dug itself a deep hole and lacks public trust. However, this might not necessarily mean they will lose the election.” He noted that the LDP is worried about losing marginal seats, especially given Komeito’s uncertain future as a coalition partner.
Should the LDP secure a victory, Miyuki Fujisaki emphasizes that they must go beyond promises for change. “They need to show us what they’re going to do to prevent these scandals from happening again,” she stated. “They need to prove it, not just say it during election season.”