Japan’s Upper House election officially began on July 3. Party leaders gave their first campaign speeches across the country, each focusing on different issues, mainly rising prices and tax cuts.
- Prime Minister Ishiba (LDP) spoke in Kobe, stressing that cash payments to struggling people are not handouts. He talked about inflation, disaster preparedness, and economic aid by year’s end.
- Noda (Constitutional Democrats) spoke in a rice field in Miyazaki, calling for reducing the sales tax on food from 8% to 0%, without issuing new debt.
- Saito (Komeito) also spoke in Kobe, naming this the “Election to Overcome High Prices,” and emphasized responsible tax cuts and support for seniors hit by inflation.
- Yoshimura (Japan Innovation Party) spoke in Osaka, focusing on lowering social insurance costs and reducing Tokyo’s dominance over Japan’s economy.
- Tamura (Communist Party) spoke in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro and sharply criticized the ruling party. She called for a ¥20,000 cash payment and cuts in military spending.
- Tamaki (Democratic Party for the People) spoke in Tokyo’s business district, New Shimbashi, pushing for tax cuts for workers and new investments in digital tech and growth.
- Yamamoto (Reiwa Shinsengumi) spoke in Shinjuku, saying tax cuts—not cash payments—are the best way to help people deal with high prices.
- Kamiya (Sanseito) spoke in Ginza, promoting a “Japan First” approach, calling for tax cuts, debate on family name laws, and tighter immigration policies.
- Fukushima (Social Democratic Party) also spoke in Shinjuku, saying the government should spend on food and welfare, not missiles or defense.
- Hyakuta (Japan Conservative Party) spoke in Shimbashi, calling for zero tax on food and stopping the current ruling coalition’s policies.
Across the board, most parties are focusing on inflation relief, tax cuts, and how best to support everyday life in Japan.
by MagazineKey4532