Ahead of the recent election, Japanese voters shared their primary concerns. These included the rising cost of living, national defense, and the potential implications of the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) level of victory.
Economic Concerns
Voters reported a significant increase in the cost of living.
Kanako Himura noted that her weekly grocery expenses had risen, with prices increasing and quantities diminishing.
"My weekly grocery expenses have gone up," Kanako Himura observed. "Prices are increasing, and quantities are diminishing."
Kento Naka, a 35-year-old manga artist, highlighted that Tokyo property prices were excessively high, and incomes had not kept pace with these increases.
Kento Naka, a 35-year-old manga artist, pointed out that Tokyo property prices were "excessively high," stating that "incomes have not kept pace with these increases."
National Defense Perspectives
National defense was another significant issue for Japanese voters. Naoaki Yuhara, 85, underscored its importance, particularly when considering future generations.
"National defense is crucial," Naoaki Yuhara, 85, emphasized, "especially when considering future generations."
In contrast, Haruka, a voter in her 30s, expressed worries about increased military spending, including on nuclear weapons, and the potential for future conflict.
Haruka, a voter in her 30s, voiced concerns about "increased military spending, including on nuclear weapons," and the "potential for future conflict."
Political Dominance Concerns
Some voters also voiced concerns regarding the LDP's electoral success. Naohisa Komiyama, 42, an LDP supporter, expressed apprehension that an overly dominant victory could lead to a suppression of opposing opinions. This could potentially foster carelessness and arrogance within the party.
Naohisa Komiyama, 42, an LDP supporter, articulated his apprehension that "an overly dominant victory could lead to a suppression of opposing opinions, potentially fostering carelessness and arrogance within the party."