Japan Decides 2021: The Japanese General Election

The recent Japanese general election in 2021 was marked by significant changes in the party system and voter behavior, with the LDP and coalition partner Kōmeitō eking out an electoral victory despite the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic uncertainty. This fourth volume in the Japan Decides series features a comprehensive collection of analyses from leading experts covering the legacy of Abes tenure, the state of the LDP and other parties, the impact of COVID-19, and the postponed 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The recent Japanese elections have been highly dramatic, and the 2021 general election was no exception. The global turmoil caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, coupled with domestic uncertainty following the resignation of long-serving Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Prime Minister Abe Shinzō, left many voters and political observers questioning whether his successors were capable of leading the country through the crisis. Ultimately, the LDP and its coalition partner, Kōmeitō, managed to secure an electoral victory, although it masked significant changes in the party system and nuanced shifts in voter behavior and preferences. This fourth volume in the Japan Decides series presents a comprehensive collection of analyses from esteemed experts, covering various aspects of contemporary party politics, the state of the LDP and other parties, the impact of COVID-19 and the postponed 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, and numerous other crucial topics in domestic and foreign policy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the recent Japanese elections, shaping the political landscape and influencing voter behavior. The pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption, leading to job losses, business closures, and a decline in consumer confidence. This has led to a surge in support for the ruling LDP and its coalition partner, Kōmeitō, as voters seek stability and economic recovery. However, the pandemic has also exposed weaknesses in the LDP's approach to managing the crisis, particularly its reluctance to implement widespread lockdowns and other measures to control the spread of the virus. This has led to criticism from opposition parties and some voters, who argue that the LDP's response has been inadequate and has put public health at risk.

In addition to the pandemic, the 2021 general election was also influenced by domestic factors. The resignation of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō in September 2020, following his defeat in the LDP leadership election, created uncertainty and instability in the government. This led to a surge in support for the opposition parties, particularly the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and the Japan Communist Party (JCP). The CDP, in particular, gained significant ground, winning more seats in the lower house of the Diet and becoming the second-largest party in the chamber. The JCP, on the other hand, continued to hold its seats in the upper house of the Diet, although its support declined slightly.

The election also saw a shift in voter behavior and preferences. Younger voters, in particular, were more likely to support the opposition parties, while older voters were more likely to vote for the LDP. This was partly due to the LDP's reputation for being the party of stability and economic growth, which appeals to older voters, while the opposition parties were seen as more progressive and responsive to the needs of younger voters.

Overall, the 2021 Japanese elections were a highly significant event in the country's political history. The pandemic, the resignation of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō, and the shift in voter behavior and preferences have all played a role in shaping the political landscape and influencing the country's future direction. While the LDP and its coalition partner secured an electoral victory, it is clear that there are significant challenges and opportunities for the government to address in the coming years. The government will need to prioritize economic recovery, address the impact of the pandemic on public health, and address the needs and concerns of voters, particularly younger generations.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 149 x 210 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031113239
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023