Japan Brief/FPCJ, No. 0940
July 23, 2009


House of Representatives Dissolved;
General Election to Be Held on August 30

On July 21, in the afternoon, the cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso dissolved the House of Representatives and, in an extraordinary cabinet meeting following the dissolution, decided that the forty-fifth general election would be officially announced on August 18 and carried out on August 30. This period of 40 days from dissolution to voting in a general election is the longest permitted by the present Constitution. As The Nikkei (July 22) said, with the decision by the cabinet, “In effect, an unusual midsummer election campaign stretching over 40 days got off to a start.” According to Japan’s major newspapers, as of July 21 more than 1,200 candidates were scheduled to run in the 480-seat House of Representatives election, which will be the fifth since the present electoral system combining single-seat constituencies and proportional representation was introduced.

Focal Point of the General Election

According to the major newspapers, the main focal point of the upcoming general election will be which side the voters choose as the most appropriate to hold the reins of government, the current ruling parties (the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito) or the opposition centered on the Democratic Party of Japan.

At a press conference held in the evening of July 21, Prime Minister Aso, who is president of the LDP, named the upcoming general election “an election to create a peace-of-mind society.” Prime Minister Aso said, “This election is to clarify responsibility for governing, namely, which party will safeguard Japan and the daily lives of the Japanese people.” Pledging economic recovery and the realization of a peace-of-mind society by making infant education free of charge and strengthening employment policy, the prime minister stated clearly that he would take responsibility if these targets cannot be achieved. Regarding a consumption tax hike, Prime Minister Aso said that fundamental tax reform would be carried out after the economy recovered.

Meanwhile, at a press conference held in the evening of July 21, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama dubbed the upcoming election as the “change-of-government election.” The DPJ’s minimum target, he said, was to become the number-one party in the House of Representatives, and it would aim to secure a majority of seats by cooperating with other opposition parties.

Newspaper Editorials

Japan’s five major newspapers all carried editorials devoted to the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the upcoming general election in their July 22 editions. The editorials commented that the focal point of the election was a choice of who will govern and also made requests to the LDP, DPJ, and other parties which have entered campaign mode.

The Yomiuri Shimbun editorial noted that “due consideration should be given to the key policies put forward by each party and its ability to implement them.” Referring to such issues as the economic recession, the low birthrate and the aging of society, China’s growing military power, and North Korea’s nuclear arms, it called on each party “to present its prescribed course of action for eliminating these concerns” and in particular “to chart a clear vision for the nation—a vision of the kind of country each party seeks to achieve.” Regarding the DPJ, the Yomiuri pointed out the need for it to demonstrate the political clout required for a shift away from bureaucracy-led politics and to specify the financial resources needed to implement its policies. Regarding the LDP, the Yomiuri noted its delay in drawing up a manifesto due to internal turmoil and policy differences among its factions and groups. “An essential task . . . is to devise and implement necessary policies,” it said, adding, “It is important for the ruling party to examine the results of the economic stimulus measures put in place by the government and the ruling parties amid the protracted global recession.”

While declaring that “it is quite likely that Minshuto [Democratic Party of Japan] will come to power,” the Asahi Shimbun editorial expressed uncertainty and concern about the DPJ from the perspectives of, among others, the confusion that is expected to arise as a result of its policy decision to shift away from the bureaucracy, the financial resources required for the implementation of its policies, and the vagueness of its foreign policy. Regarding the LDP, the Asahi noted, “. . . if it is to remain in power, it will have to take stock of its long history of governance and demonstrate a completely new ability to govern.” The Asahi also strongly urged parties “to clearly state their policy priorities” in manifestos.

The Mainichi Shimbun editorial noted that “The desire for a change in government is definitely spreading among voters.” As a result of the continued confusion and lack of unity within the party, it said, “Many people are beginning to doubt whether the LDP really has the capability to govern.” But regarding the DPJ as well, referring to its proposed reform of the bureaucracy and the financial resources needed for the implementation of its policies, the Mainichi remarked that people want to verify its ability to govern and the qualities of DPJ President Hatoyama as a candidate for the post of prime minister. It also urged parties to “show a vision of how they will shape this country in the future.”

The Sankei Shimbun urged parties to propose manifestos to the people “specifically and urgently” with the focus on “what they are going to do about the foundations of Japan.” Regarding diplomacy and security, the Sankei noted, “The DPJ’s response in the Diet has actually damaged the Japan-US alliance.” But it also said, “The primary responsibility for reducing Japan’s defense capability vis-à-vis the growing military power of China lies with the LDP government.” Regarding social security, it warned the LDP and DPJ not to “avoid any discussion of tax increases because it would be disadvantageous in the election” and said, “First of all, the two main parties should hold an incisive and heated debate.”

The Nikkei editorial strongly urged “a policy debate that does not disgrace the title of ‘choice-of-government election.’” Regarding the LDP, it noted that as a result of doubts about its governing capability and its repeated fickleness in government management, “The LDP will face an unprecedented headwind in the campaign.” The Nikkei also criticized the LDP for not yet having “indicated even an outline of its pledges if it becomes the next government.” Regarding the DPJ, The Nikkei called on the party to explain in detail how it would secure the financial resources to implement the showpiece policies that it has pledged and discuss the increased burden on people, such as tax hikes. It also remarked, “It is essential [for the DPJ] to set forth convincing foreign and security policies.”

(Copyright 2009 Foreign Press Center, Japan)

*Japan Brief is an original production of the Foreign Press Center, Japan, and does not represent the views of the Government of Japan or of any other body.


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