Japan has begun campaigning for a snap general election that threatens to pummel the ruling Liberal Democratic party as voters pass judgment on a slush-fund scandal, the rising cost of living and a decade-long failure to deliver greater household prosperity.
The intensive 12-day campaigning season for a vote to be held on October 27 was formally set in motion by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba — the quirky, 67-year-old LDP veteran who was elevated to the top job two weeks ago after a bitterly divisive party leadership race.
“I have positioned this election as an election for the rebirth of Japan.” Ishiba said on Tuesday as he launched his campaign in the northern prefecture of Fukushima. “I will trust the people, tell the truth without lies or deception, and talk about the Japan that should be.”