Candidate Focus

The election will likely focus on public worries over rising inflation, wage stagnation, and the LDP’s goal of constitutional reform. The tension from the slush funds scandal remains as well, though it will likely not seriously hamper any candidate due to the LDP’s super-majority in the Diet. Social security issues, especially in a rapidly aging society, and the question of revising Japan’s pacifist constitution are central topics in the candidates’ campaigns. Prime Minister Kishida was aggressive on rebuilding Japan’s military, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s expanded missile development. Though most experts highlight the necessity of a military restructuring in Japan, the majority of people only hesitantly support the movement. Economic security is also a primary focus, with many candidates offering different approaches to balancing defense spending without raising taxes.

Party factions, generally a significant influence in such elections, have lost much of their power due to the ongoing fallout from the most recent scandal. While the slush funds mostly implicated the old Shinzo Abe faction, the effects were felt party-wide and allowed for opposing parties to chip away at the LDP’s reputation and public trust. This, along with the large field of candidates, means the vote is likely to be split, and a second-round runoff is highly probable.