LDP wins 4 of 5 Diet by-elections

Is there any expectation for Japan to change anything in the future now?

Get ready for tax hikes to save elderly!

called into question over dubious ties between LDP lawmakers and the controversial Unification Church, in addition to a series of resignations by scandal-tainted ministers late last year.

The voting public soon forget. If scandals and corruption were even slightly remembered, the LDP would never get in.

The Japanese public deserve their fate at the hands of their elected masters then

If I were a young Japanese I would start my plans to vacate the country

Japan is a stagnating society and at the helm is the LDP.

Where is the innovation and the new industries?

The swing to a knowledge based economy?

The END to the endless red tape and the threatening conditions on importers?

(Yes, really!)

Japan was a large exporter and in decades past it was possible to almost smell the scent of money in the air

Now, Japan resembles, more and more a 3rd world country

No hope.

choice, unification cult or Shinto cult.

I would like to see an Egg Party. Their policy is to reduce the ¥298 eggs I usually buy which now cost ¥398, back to ¥298. I have no use for offensive tomahawk missiles whatsoever.

This is the real Japan. Continuously supporting the LDP.

This sentiment shows in all aspects of society, and so there is no need to express frustration as to why Japan has legalized this or that.

It's what the Japanese want.

Where is the innovation and the new industries?

Who cares, the epicenter of new tech and innovation in the West is also synonymous with homelessness, drug addiction, and unaffordable cost of living (San Francisco).

The swing to a knowledge based economy?

No need, AI is going to make 50% of it redundant in the next decade alone.

The END to the endless red tape and the threatening conditions on importers?

Why should the Japanese worker be forced to compete with foreign workers that get paid $2/hour and have no labor or environmental regulations?

Is there any expectation for Japan to change anything in the future now?

was there ever?

The Japanese public deserve their fate at the hands of their elected masters then

Of course.

If I were a young Japanese I would start my plans to vacate the country

My family and I are trying...

Japan is a stagnating society and at the helm is the LDP.

Where is the innovation and the new industries?

The swing to a knowledge based economy?

The END to the endless red tape and the threatening conditions on importers?

(Yes, really!)

Japan was a large exporter and in decades past it was possible to almost smell the scent of money in the air

Now, Japan resembles, more and more a 3rd world country

Spot on!

No hope.

That's how many of my Japanese friends and I feel now.

I guess many voting in Japan don’t mind that the LDP is actively supported (controlled?) by a Korean cult. And those not voting, just don’t care at all.

Kishida and Co. are surely laughing their heads off with these results.

Yesterday was a sad day for Japan.

good to see them encouraging the populace to take active part in raajio taisō....

Vote LDP, piss and moan a few months later, buy the LDP's excuses and promises to improve, vote LDP again. Repeat ad nauseam as you sleep walk into oblivion.

"People get the government they deserve."

Watch for more incidents to happen, directed at Kishida and the LDP, prior to any further upcoming elections.

Was it ever in doubt?... Not in this century or even in the last for that matter. Bonzai! Bonzai! Bon..slap!!!

S

Vote LDP, piss and moan a few months later, buy the LDP's excuses and promises to improve, vote LDP again. Repeat ad nauseam as you sleep walk into oblivion.

From experience I can tell you, people are not really voting "LDP". They are voting for THEIR candidate, who happens to be LDP. Sometimes candidates will switch party affiliations or go independent, if it improves their chances of winning their election.

Happens often here in Okinawa, a once prominent member of the LDP, in fact president of the local prefectural association of the LDP, dropped out, became independent, lost the support of the LDP, jumped on another bandwagon, and got elected Governor. People didnt give a crap about what the "party" was.

Not all are this extreme, but people vote "locally" not nationally, hence the LDP always winning, as they have the larger and better funded infrastructure.

The LDP and its control over the media has turned the population of Japan into scaredy cats terrified of change.

The snowball rolling down the hill is gaining momentum so it shouldn’t long until it crashes into a wall and breaks into pieces.

The Yamaguchi No. 2 district was previously held by former Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Abe's younger brother. But he retired for health reasons in early February, and his eldest son, Nobuchiyo Kishi ran in his father's place.

This sums how the Japanese Daimyo politic works and how far is this from a true democracy.

But Japanese people keep voting them so they deserve what they get.

There is no hope for that country.

What morons keep voting them in?

Who needs evolution, right?

"We have proven that even an ant can hurt an elephant if we work together in unity and solidarity."

Opposition parties need to learn how not to sound so defeatist. Likening yourself to ants and the governing party to elephants surely isn't a winning strategy.

"The Yamaguchi No. 2 district was previously held by former Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Abe's younger brother. But he retired for health reasons in early February, and his eldest son, Nobuchiyo Kishi ran in his father's place."

He resigned due to the UC fiasco, how quickly people forget that. And since little Kishi Junior clearly has no qualifications beside his papa's endorsement, it would be totally fair to judge him based on his father's legacy.

So disappointing! You get what you vote for obviously the unification church issue and restarting nuke power plant aren't issues that the people care about...

After Japan defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War, Li Hongchang and Ito Hirobumi met to work out treaty arrangements. Ito asked Li: "why is it that China can't carry out effective reforms?"

"We Chinese," Li replied, "are too fond of our old traditions."

Now the shoe is on the other foot, and it is Japan that refuses to change. The LDP victory is evidence of this. People vote for the party despite its repeated scandals and total lack of new ideas.

BTW, what's with the "grab the giant beach ball" pose? I thought the LDP was all about "the fist in the air" pose..

Two of the five seats were won through nepotism. Kishi inherited his corrupt daddy's seat (because that's how it goes), and Yoshida was hand-picked by the tearful but corrupt Akie Abe, Kishi's aunt.

What a democracy.

"Voter turnout was the lowest on record ..."

"The Yamaguchi No. 2 district was previously held by former Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Abe's younger brother. But he retired for health reasons in early February, and his eldest son, Nobuchiyo Kishi ran in his father's place."

Wow! The dictionary definition of "nepotism" in action where privileges are placed on one's "nephew". (From the Italian)

That picture looks like a bunch of men who are going to change things, accomplish many productive initiatives and represent the people to make their lives better (sarcasm)

Many Japanese are not so interested in politics, because we can live moderately.

"The Yamaguchi No. 2 district was previously held by former Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Abe's younger brother. But he retired for health reasons in early February, and his eldest son, Nobuchiyo Kishi ran in his father's place."

Wow! The dictionary definition of "nepotism" in action where privileges are placed on one's "nephew". (From the Italian)

Actually it isnt nepotism really. He wasnt "handed" the position, he was elected by the people of Yamaguchi.

Evidently if your name is "Kishi" or "Abe" you are practically guaranteed winning.

Yamaguchi has been a stronghold of the LDP for generations, hell Abe was from District No4.

The day the LDP loses any elections in those districts is the day that the LDP is dead.

This country is finished. I wish I had the money to go back home.

Is there any expectation for Japan to change anything in the future now?

was there ever?

The Japanese public deserve their fate at the hands of their elected masters then

Of course.

You'll find it surprising that the majority of the population actually doesn't want nor cares about change. Many like the idea of waking up tomorrow and nothing has really changed, being able to routinely go to work with no conflict, everyone following manners, everyone being in-line. People just go with the flow and don't really follow the politics of Japan because if they did, they would realize that there actually is change and not all is for the better.

Many of us need to realize that we are sacrificing our future so that we can all enjoy this moment in time where change is happening incrementally. Nothing will improve the inevitable outcome of a bleak future unless we change the course now. Japan is lucky that they were once a dominant economy, otherwise many other countries do not have the luxury to be able to kick the can down the road for this many years let alone take on so much debt. A healthy economy will have highs and lows, being able to bounce back from them. Japan hasn't had a high in how many years? And sorry to sound pessimistic but a global recession does look imminent and Japan will have another low before we can have our high.

The Japanese people sincerely believes they are living intact in the Japan of 1980s golden days only if Liberal Democrat party(LDP) is holding the power.

Oh dear oh dear ...more of the same.

Until Japan gets a decent opposition party it is doomed.

How old is Mr. Kishi (Nobuchiyo) ? 31

He still have 10 years to be mature enough to learn LDP politics, way to go, way to go. Be patient, guys!

I was going to comment 'out with old, in with the new'.......but in this case lets just say 'out with the old, in with the old' Is there little wonder Japan is stuck in the past of stupid old laws and traditions.

YubaruToday  10:19 am JST

Actually it isnt nepotism really. 

I think it might be... I bet he had no trouble getting into Keio University, then those nice LDP-friendly Sankei people were probably more than happy to give him a job as a journalist, then he was an aide to his father, and let's face it - there's no way the LDP were ever going to look for another candidate.

The list of things needing to be addressed is endless. But where is the united opposition party proposing fully-costed plans that address the needs of the people? If that doesn't exist, the rural elderly will re-elect LDP candidates time and again. Japan needs a united opposition with clear policies on health, education, pensions, defense, taxation, childcare, depopulation, birthrates, NHK etc. etc. At least a proper opposition might help keep the LDP honest, even if it couldn't win elections against the elderly voters who have been trained to support the LDP.

Democracy in Japan is pretence.

Mainstream media bow to political pressure, most news shows avoid disadvantageous reports for ruling party, and hesitate even featuring election or politics despite immediate before voting day.

Japanese general public don't notice even who destroys society and torment people is present LDP regime, about half of Japanese voters don't vote.

And more people will be victimized by vested interests-first politics.

Big change come to Japan.... next time

hamptonToday  12:52 pm JST

The list of things needing to be addressed is endless. But where is the united opposition party proposing fully-costed plans that address the needs of the people? 

The opposition parties will never be able to get together as one party, and they'll never have enough money. Winning elections in Japan is obscenely expensive.

Nobuchiyo Kishi, despite his Meiji-era-looking name, is not yet 32 years old.

This photograph perfectly encapsulates the LDP's hereditary politics. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss -- same name, same bloodline, same policies.

Simon Foston - I know, and it's ridiculous. It costs tens of millions of yen to win an election. The entire system is rigged in favor of the ruling party. But Yukio Hatoyama was elected, so it could happen again. I know he was from one of the main families and originally LDP, as well as stunningly wealthy. We can but hope.

115%?of course as expected.

 The entire system is rigged in favor of the ruling party. But Yukio Hatoyama was elected, so it could happen again. I know he was from one of the main families and originally LDP, as well as stunningly wealthy.

Don't think that will happen again hampton. Abe squeezed the last gasp of democracy out of Japan. Decimated the opposition as well as the free press. That's his true legacy- the destruction of any possible semblance of democracy.

We can but hope.

Not much, if any, of that left

And look at the absolute state of them.

But this is what the Japanese people want. So so so so so so dull

hamptonToday  02:58 pm JST

Simon Foston - I know, and it's ridiculous. It costs tens of millions of yen to win an election. The entire system is rigged in favor of the ruling party. But Yukio Hatoyama was elected, so it could happen again. I know he was from one of the main families and originally LDP, as well as stunningly wealthy. We can but hope.

Unfortunately I suspect it'll only happen if some more stunningly wealthy people decide to form their own political party and can pay for candidates to run against the LDP in every constituency.

Yeah, you're probably right Simon. Even in that case, once in power the media and bureaucracy would destroy them anyway, so even a minor miracle would be short-lived.

Nothing wrong with pursuing their own vested interests even under national election under what you folks are incessantly calling democracy, YES?

I have a suggestion to make JT comment sections worth reading and more fruitful. Which parties Japanese sheeple should vote for, and why? Better not skip that part.

You folks keep insulting Japanese voters but never presented specific reasons or evidence to push Non-LDP parties , almost like Childish tantrum keep asking FOR A CHANGE!.

Nail just ONE THING into your brains very hard. Unlike most of you, most of all Japanese populace do not own another passport to move. And ordinary citizen just cannot buy other citizenships by money.

JUST NEED A CHANGE? for you enjoying having choice(s)?

Tell THAT , to people living in all other countries who don't.

IN SHORT, Dump other passports and become Japanese and start talking.

Touchdown!

Analysis of these elections.

The LDP recovers, returning to a 50% approval rating.

The Ritsumin is losing support in its traditional voting strongholds to the Reiwa Shinsengumi. And worse. In absolute number of votes, Ishin has surpassed them. That severely threatens the leadership as the main opposition party, in the next general Diet elections.

Absolute rise of Nippon Ishin no Kai, surpassing Ritsumin in votes. He is the main beneficiary of these elections. This party has collected votes from former voters of Komeito, Ritsumin, and the DDP among others.

Komeito has also lost electoral strength to Ishin. Which means a rather important defeat, because it could change or even break the coalition with the LDP in the future.

Absolute defeat of CPJ, in favor of Ritsumin and Reiwa Shinsengumi, especially the latter. I believe that carrying the name of Communist, penalizes it severely.

Reiwa Shinsengumi was the second winner in this election. But to the detriment of Ritsumin and CPJ. Which means that there has been no change among the global forces, in the left forces.

And the DDP also lost electoral strength to Ishin.

"We caught a suckerfish THIS big!"

And we're the suckerfish.

kennyGApr. 24  08:10 pm JST

Nothing wrong with pursuing their own vested interests even under national election under what you folks are incessantly calling democracy, YES?

How about when politicians serve vested interests instead of the general public interest, e.g. when they're getting strong support from tobacco farmers and help stifle legislation to discourage smoking?

I have a suggestion to make JT comment sections worth reading and more fruitful. Which parties Japanese sheeple should vote for, and why? Better not skip that part.

I was hopeful that the CDPJ was starting to get organised and offer a viable alternative to the LDP, although not perfect by any means. At least Yukio Edano looked as if he was only going to work with other opposition parties who shared CDPJ policy goals, rather than a mish-mash of right-wing, left-wing, conservative, progressive and radical stuff like the old DPJ under Hatoyama, Kan and Ozawa. Problem is, I couldn't suggesting voting CDPJ to anyone in my area, because they didn't have enough money to support a candidate. It's the same in most "LDP kingdoms," you have to pay to play and the LDP make sure they are the only ones who can pay.

How about when politicians serve vested interests instead of the general public interest, e.g. when they're getting strong support from tobacco farmers and help stifle legislation to discourage smoking?

Obviously, it is not good picture, yet, that would be a sort of cost of democracy as long as tobacco or pachinko industry legally exist. After all, politicians under democracy represent vested interests which include general interest in broad sense.

I guess CDPJ is already out of style and is doomed. It would break further apart like SDP( former SPJ) inevitably did. We need one purely policy_based bipolar opposition party if wants to stop LDP.

kennyGToday  01:54 pm JST

I guess CDPJ is already out of style and is doomed. It would break further apart like SDP( former SPJ) inevitably did. We need one purely policy_based bipolar opposition party if wants to stop LDP.

They are certainly losing momentum very fast. I can't ever remember the leader doing much to attract attention, it took me a moment to remember his name.

They are certainly losing momentum very fast. I can't ever remember the leader doing much to attract attention, it took me a moment to remember his name.

I might be wrong , but personally speaking, hope It’s not only me feeling disgusted watching news about an elected law maker living in Dubai who kept rejecting showing up AS A REPRESENTATIVE of democratic sovereign nation at House of Parliament;, or the fact that THE PARTY he belonged to actually have seats in the diet NOW. This is JOKE and we need a serious bipolar opposition

Too much of playing around with jokes if you ever watch political opinion broadcast by NHK midnight.

Those who have stupidly labeled me ( although those posts were all deleted quickly) as Pro-LDP, as being paid by LDP PR team never have an idea.

Where you have scarce choice, voting for "stability" out of mobs , or not voting is unfortunately one of justified behaviors, me thinks

kennyGApr. 25  07:21 pm JST

I might be wrong , but personally speaking, hope It’s not only me feeling disgusted watching news about an elected law maker living in Dubai who kept rejecting showing up AS A REPRESENTATIVE of democratic sovereign nation at House of Parliament;, or the fact that THE PARTY he belonged to actually have seats in the diet NOW.

It's disappointing to me that enough people would vote for a novelty candidate from a novelty party for him to get elected.

This is JOKE and we need a serious bipolar opposition

Yes, but they need funding. I met someone who wanted to stand as an opposition party candidate, I think he would have been great but his party didn't have enough money to support his campaign. Japan won't have a proper two-party system until another party can spend as much as the LDP.