Japan votes in a key election as Prime Minister Ishiba faces a possible loss : NPR

Japan‘s upper house elections on July 20, 2025, have highlighted a growing divide among voters, with many expressing frustration over political stagnation and the rise of xenophobic rhetoric. The incumbent Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces challenges from a fractured opposition and emerging populist movements, leaving the future political landscape uncertain.

Despite the LDP’s long-standing dominance, which has contributed to Japan’s postwar political stability and social conformity, voters are increasingly seeking change. Though, the opposition remains divided, hindering its ability to present a united front and offer a compelling alternative. This fragmentation has allowed populist parties, such as Sanseito, to gain traction with platforms emphasizing “Japanese First” policies, anti-foreigner sentiments, anti-globalism, and customary gender roles.

The spread of xenophobic rhetoric during the election campaign has drawn criticism from human rights activists and concern from foreign residents. Voters like Yuko Tsuji, a 43-year-old consultant, expressed a desire for stability and unity, voting for candidates who would not “fuel division” and hoping the ruling party would “tighten things up.” Conversely, Daiichi Nasu, a 57-year-old self-employed individual, voted for the Constitutional Democratic party of Japan (CDPJ), hoping for a more inclusive and diverse society with progressive immigration and gender policies, such as allowing married couples to retain separate surnames.

The outcome of the elections presents a challenge for the minority government, which may struggle to build consensus with the opposition in the post-election period. The complex political surroundings reflects a broader societal debate between the desire for stability and the call for change, with concerns about escalating xenophobia adding another layer of complexity to the nation’s political discourse.