Archive - Observing Japan

Warning signs | Today in the Upper House Campaign

Poll after poll suggests that a major political shock could be coming

21 hrs ago •

One week to go | Today in the Upper House Campaign

With Sanseitō defying expectations, all parties are scrambling for position as they enter the final week of the campaign

Jul 13 •

The tariff election | Today in the Upper House Campaign

This is the latest update for paid subscribers on the state of the upper house campaign, which will continue through the vote on 20 July.

Jul 11 •

State of contempt | Today in the Upper House Campaign

Ishiba and opposition party leaders spar over new US tariffs, candidate views of defense spending, and an LDP lawmaker draws a reprimand for a careless…

Jul 10 •

Memorial day | Today in the Upper House Campaign

The parties respond to Trump's letter, immigration as a campaign issue, and mixed signals in polling

Jul 8 •

A guide to the 2025 upper house elections

What to watch for when Japan votes on 20 July

Jul 7 •

The elephant in the room

What was said and unsaid about Japan's biggest challenge in the party leaders' debate

Jul 3 •

June 2025

Under pressure | This Week in Japanese Politics

Prime Minister Ishiba faces softer polls, opposition attacks, and a broadside from Trump as the kickoff of the upper house campaign nears

Jun 30 •

Polls point to fluid upper house campaign

The government loses ground as the campaign draws near

Jun 30 •

The upper house campaign approaches | This Week in Japanese Politics

The upper house elections have a date, the parties ready their campaigns, and Ishiba stays home

Jun 25 •

The Sanseitō question

The growing footprint of a far-right populist party

Jun 25 •

Reading the Tokyo elections

What the capital's legislative elections reveal about the political moment

Jun 22 •

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