This is the first midwinter general election in 36 years. That was 1990, right around the time the bubble burst. They say history repeats itself, and it’s true that prices were high and real estate prices were rising back then. The yen was also weak at the time, about 160 yen to the dollar, as I recall.
Putting that aside, I’m not really sure what the major issues are in this election. Consumption tax cuts have suddenly become a hot topic, but a discussion about consumption tax shouldn’t be necessary without dissolving the Diet.
Personally, I think a consumption tax cut is a worthwhile policy, so I’m not opposed to it, but I feel like the people are being used as political pawns and being pointlessly manipulated, which is unsatisfying.
The outcome of the election is also unclear. Some believe that the LDP will win by a landslide, lured by Prime Minister Takaichi’s popularity. Others believe, conversely, that Takaichi’s one-legged batting style will backfire and result in a major defeat for the LDP. Personally, I think the best they can do is maintain the status quo.
The dark horse is the Party for Liberation, which may expand its influence even further.
It is a good thing to discuss the immigration issue head-on. We must never allow immigration to increase without the public’s knowledge. In that sense, it is understandable that attention is being drawn to the Party for Liberation, and the discussion should be open.
However, if right-wing nationalism is the basis, the story changes. As is well known, Japan is facing a serious labor shortage. We need to show the direction for how to maintain Japanese society amid a labor shortage. The right thing to do would be to discuss the immigration issue as part of the process of showing that direction.
In any case, it is difficult to read the true intentions of this election, and it is impossible to predict the shape of politics after the election.
For this reason, I will probably go to the polls with a skepticism and vote for someone on a whim. (Kei Kitajima)

※Translating Japanese articles into English with AI