Upper House Election to Focus on Rising Prices and Japan's Role in the World

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The government formally announced the date of the next election for members of Japan's Upper House (House of Councillors). Hopefully, the campaign will bring serious debate on Japan's future course before voters go to the polls on July 20.

What makes this particular Upper House election so important? Its results will directly affect the composition of the government once the ballots have been tallied.

In the 2024 general election, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito lost their majority in the Lower House of the National Diet. This left them to govern as a minority government. Even now, the approval rating of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet remains low.

*Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Shigeru Ishiba. (©Sankei)*

Stakes for the Ruling Coalition

Ishiba has said his standard for winning the Upper House election is being able to preserve an overall majority for the ruling parties, including seats not up for election. Considering the public mood, the ruling parties had no choice but to set the minimum line at 50 seats. If the ruling parties lose their majority in the Upper House, a change in government or changes to the coalition framework will be needed.

Besides the ruling coalition parties, opposition parties have been demonstrating their resolve to form a government. As they move forward, they, too, must clearly explain their respective policy platforms to voters.

June 22 was the last day of the regular Diet session. Pressed to pass the fiscal 2025 budget before that deadline, the ruling coalition accepted proposals from opposition parties, including Nippon Ishin no Kai. But LDP's ad hoc treatment of the proposals was noticeable. For the future, it is essential to establish a system for formulating and implementing policies from a long-term perspective.

Clarifying Coalition Intentions

Prime Minister Ishiba and the ruling parties must also explain whether they intend to continue the current minority government or are considering changes to the coalition framework.

Likewise, each opposition leader needs to make their party's positions clear. That includes Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) leader Yoshihiko Noda, Nippon Ishin no Kai leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, and Democratic Party for the People (DPP) leader Yuichiro Tamaki. If offered the chance to join the ruling coalition, will they accept? Or will the opposition parties unite and push for a change of government if the LDP and Komeito lose their majority in the Upper House?

The answers to these questions could prove important to voters heading to the polls. It would be extremely dishonest for these politicians not to speak up while simply expecting voters to trust them.

*Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People. (©Sankei)*

*Opposition Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yoshihiko Noda. (©Sankei)*

Addressing Economic Hardship

A primary issue in the upcoming election is how to address rising prices. This was also the central topic at a debate among eight ruling and opposition party leaders hosted by the Japan National Press Club on July 2.

Whereas the leaders of the ruling parties mainly focused on benefits, the leaders of the opposition parties demanded a reduction in, or even the abolition of, the consumption tax.

This topic is certainly of great interest to voters, but debating about it alone is not sufficient. It goes without saying that raising wages is essential. To achieve this objective, we need to consider more competing prescriptions for the sustainable growth of the Japanese economy.

Then there is the issue of soaring rice prices. We are only halfway to bringing down retail prices for all rice, including stockpiled rice and branded rice. Another point of debate is whether to revise agricultural policies that still effectively control how much farmers can grow.

Foreign Policy Challenges

Also not to be overlooked is how to respond to the severe international situation. A ceasefire has been reached between Iran and Israel in the Middle East, the region Japan relies on most for its crude oil supply.

National security, including energy security, is the foundation for Japan's independence and prosperity. However, there is no sign of Iran abandoning its nuclear program, and a resurgence of hostilities is possible. Furthermore, Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues unabated. Voters will consider these factors, too.