The Japan upper house election is set for July 20. The government confirmed the date on Tuesday. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces growing challenges, with inflation eroding public support. Ishiba, 68, has led a minority government since October. That followed his ruling coalition’s worst general election showing in 15 years. Now, local results show more trouble ahead.
On Sunday, Tokyo voters delivered another blow. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its top spot in the city assembly. Many analysts see that local vote as a preview of the national mood. The LDP has ruled Japan almost without pause since 1955. Still, public discontent could weaken its grip. Japan’s fragmented opposition is not unified, but the ruling bloc is under pressure. This Japan upper house election must occur by law after the last session of parliament. Half of the 248 seats are up for grabs. A by-election in Tokyo will fill one vacant seat. To keep a simple majority, Ishiba’s coalition needs at least 50 seats. They currently hold 141.
At a press conference, Ishiba acknowledged public frustration. “We must respond to high prices,” he said. “People deserve to live with peace of mind.” The cost of living has surged. Rice prices more than doubled over the past year. Supply-chain issues triggered the spike. The government released emergency rice stockpiles to cool prices. That move gave Ishiba a slight boost. Approval for his cabinet rose from 33% in May to 39% in early June, according to NHK. But doubts remain.
The vote will occur during a three-day holiday weekend. Low turnout, a common issue in Japanese elections, may favor the LDP. Many young and urban voters often skip the polls. Meanwhile, unrest in the Middle East has raised global concerns. Political analysts say voters may see the LDP as a safer choice in uncertain times. The Japan upper house election may not change who governs. But it will shape how the public sees Ishiba—and whether his leadership can survive economic headwinds
