Key Facts
• Special poll conducted on July 12-13 for the July 20 election.
• 40% undecided in electoral districts; 30% undecided in proportional representation.
• Tochigi: Close race between Itazu (Constitutional Democratic) and Takahashi (Liberal Democratic).
• Gunma: Shimizu (Liberal Democratic) leads, Aoki (Sanseito) in pursuit.
• Tokyo: Suzuki maintains stability; fierce competition for two remaining seats.
• Osaka: Sasaki leads; Yanagimoto, Okazaki, Miyade, and Sugi in tight race.
• Niigata: Uchikoshi (Constitutional Democratic) challenged by Nakamura (Liberal Democratic) and Hirai (Sanseito).
• Hokuriku region: Liberal Democratic Party faces setbacks due to controversial remarks.
• Kyoto: Niimi leads, followed by Nishida and Kurabayashi.
• Fukuoka: Matsuyama and Noda hold advantage; Nakata, Kawamoto, and Shimono trail.
• Saga: Tominaga and Yamashita in close contest; Shimofukigoshi gains youth support.
Summary
The Mainichi Shimbun’s mid-campaign analysis for Japan’s Upper House election highlights key battlegrounds and shifting dynamics. Conducted on July 12-13, the special poll reveals significant voter indecision, with 40% in electoral districts and 30% in proportional representation yet to decide. Key races include close contests in Tochigi, Niigata, and Saga, while Tokyo and Osaka see fierce competition for remaining seats. The Liberal Democratic Party faces challenges in the Hokuriku region due to controversial remarks. Candidates like Niimi in Kyoto and Sasaki in Osaka maintain leads, while others, such as Uchikoshi in Niigata, face strong challenges. The election’s outcome remains uncertain, with voter sentiment still evolving.
