Japan's Upper House Election: Key Issues and Challenges

Japan is holding national elections for half of its Upper House seats, the first since Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took office. The long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party faces challenges from right-wing populist parties gaining traction with younger voters, potentially impacting their majority. Key voter concerns include economic issues like rising prices, particularly for rice, and dissatisfaction with trade relations with the United States, specifically the threat of tariffs and demands on the Japanese auto market. Immigration has also become a contentious issue, with populist parties advocating for restrictions.