Key Facts
• July 13 marked the final Sunday of campaigning for the July 20 Upper House election.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged cash payments of $140–$280 per person in Kumamoto.
• Ishiba also proposed support for farmers expanding rice exports.
• Opposition parties criticized ruling party over inflation and controversial remarks by a ruling lawmaker.
• Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party proposed reducing food tax to 0% in Okayama.
• Tetsuo Saito of Komeito condemned the ruling party’s remarks in Kanazawa.
• Hirofumi Yoshimura of the Japan Innovation Party criticized ruling party ties to medical associations in Kobe.
• Tomoko Tamura of the Communist Party opposed increased medical costs for seniors in Kyoto.
• Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People advocated for income tax cuts in Tokyo.
• Taro Yamamoto of Reiwa Shinsengumi called for abolishing the consumption tax in Shizuoka.
• Munenori Kamiya of the Sanseito Party addressed foreign policy concerns in Sendai.
Summary
On July 13, the final Sunday before Japan’s Upper House election, political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties campaigned nationwide, focusing on inflation and controversial remarks by a ruling party lawmaker. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted cash payments and agricultural support, while opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of economic issues and insensitive comments. Proposals ranged from tax reductions to social security reforms, reflecting diverse approaches to addressing voter concerns. The election is set for July 20.
