Ruling parties suffer major defeat in Japan's upper house election

Japan's ruling coalition suffered a significant setback in the country's 27th House of Councillors election, as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito failed to retain majority control in the upper chamber.

According to the final tally released on Monday morning, the LDP secured only 39 of the contested seats, while Komeito won eight. Even when combined with their uncontested seats, the two parties were unable to meet the 125-seat threshold required for a majority in the 248-member upper house.

This marked the first time since the LDP's founding in 1955 that the ruling coalition lost its majority in both chambers of the National Diet.

Exit polls revealed that voters were primarily concerned about rising prices and economic uncertainty, with "measures against inflation" cited as the top priority for the electorate.

Amid public dissatisfaction, emerging political forces capitalized on voter frustration. The center-right Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) and the populist Sanseito party, which campaigned on a "Japanese First" platform, both made significant gains.

Although Japan's opposition remains fragmented, several parties achieved notable results. The Constitutional Democratic Party secured 22 seats, the DPFP won 17, and Sanseito, an emerging political force, captured 14 seats.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking on Sunday evening after preliminary results were announced, expressed his intention to remain in office. However, with the ruling coalition in the minority in both the upper and lower houses, the Ishiba administration faces mounting pressure.

houjunjie@chinadaily.com.cn