politics

Abe's LDP on track for landslide victory: media

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This seems to be a self fulfilling prophecy. The media says this is going to happen and the public read and believe that Abe will win. When election day comes either people don't vote or they vote for Abe. But these polls are so skewed. They only telephone people with landlines, which tend to be older more conservative people. The Maiinichi paper is a fairly conservative paper, so I would assume their questioning would be leading towards an Abe win. Lets see and hope that on Sunday people come out and really let Abe know that this policies stink!

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Even if Abe wins, he will brings us straight back to the original problem, domestic demand in Japan just isn’t strong enough to generate inflation, and expectation in inflation for a couple of years won’t change anything substantial. There is simply no way incomes can rise across the entire economy because the baby boomers are now retiring to be replaced by fewer young workers with post labor reform entry level wages. Japan’s overall consumer spending power is falling, rather than rise.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Japanese people, the epitome of "doing the same thing over and over again and actually believing that it will get better", an unshakable ganbaru spirit.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The economy sinks deeper into recession under the leadership of a party whose master plan is to just keep printing money and he's on course to win by a landslide due to a non-existent opposition. It was said by many that democracy could not work in Japan. Maybe these people were not completely wrong.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

After 70 years of the politbeaurou ruling Japan it would be nice to see a change, but as positions are handed from Father to son/Daughter there seems to be no possibility of regime change.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If the LDP win a 2/3 majority you can say goodbye to the current constitution. Abe will have introduced conscription before he leaves office and Japan will be on the way to war.

Still, if that's what the people want, vote for Abe.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Scrote Dec. 09, 2014 - 09:19AM JST Abe will have introduced conscription before he leaves office and Japan will be on the way to war. Still, if that's what the people want, vote for Abe.

If there is a war over disputed island, there will definitely be a severe recession in Japan. Problem is that Japan depends on China for over 20 percent of if the total trade compare to less than 9 percent for China. Japan has over 20,000 companies operating inside China, but how many Chinese corporations operating inside Japan? Hardly any. China will get by other EU, U.S. and Korean companies filling in the shoes left by Japan.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Based on the debates I have seen on TV, the only party with a clue about the policy mix required to fix Japan is the Ishin party. Yet they only poll around 1%. Most of the other opposition parties would absolutely ruin this country with their populist vote buying campaign pledges, at least keeping the LDP is still better than them, but an LDP-Ishin coalition government would be better than these Komeito nutters having a say in running the show.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Most of my Japanese friends know a lot about their ego. Probably more than those clueless elders (no offense). I really hope it would be enough to surprise the LDP.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

sfjp330: Abe doesn't care about the effect of war on the Japanese economy, all he thinks about is avenging the "wrongs" he believes were inflicted on his war-criminal grandfather.

Other things you will lose once Abe revises the constitution: the right to freedom of expression, the right to demonstrate against the government, private communications will be abolished, the right to freedom of thought and belief, gender equality rights etc. All will be gone if Abe gets a 2/3 majority.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Yen goes to 125......

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Seriously, are we being Rick-Rolled?

Well, I guess in the country of the blind, the one eyed man is king after all.

I'm moving to Iceland.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Wakarimasen

Yen goes to 125.

Don't forget it used to be 360... (when I first came to Japan !)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I haven't met a single Japanese willing to vote for Abe and I know plenty!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

In just about any other country the electorate will punish the party in power for the type of poor economic conditions Japan is facing to show their displeasure with the policy direction. Here voters that turn out and the silent ones who don't will give the ruling bunch an even stronger mandate to screw things up. How to understand this?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

In just about any other country the electorate will punish the party in power for the type of poor economic conditions Japan is facing to show their displeasure with the policy direction. Here voters that turn out and the silent ones who don't will give the ruling bunch an even stronger mandate to screw things up. How to understand this?

The recession is not a result of Abe's economic policies but the tax increase introduced by the previous government.

Just saying.

People are going to vote for the LDP because they are willing to give his policies a few more years to bring results.

The DPJ being terribly disorganized doesn't help either.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

It's going to have to be what is known in business "give and take". In order for Abe to make a go of his economic platform he will have to give up his one quest for "nationalism changes to the Constitution" and use his 4 yrs on the economy, jobs and growth of Japan. By moving forward in cutting the bureaucratic red tape, opening up closed markets, unleashing and encouraging entrepreneurships, encouraging investments may be the best way forward resulting in boosting productivity, and spurt economic growth. The BOJ has done its part now its time for the Diet and ABe to do theirs but at the cost of his one true goal: "change the Constitution for Nationalism". Sorry Abe but that's the breaks and the people choose economy, one has to eat and support a family.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I feel really frustrated and sad about the result of a survey by the Mainichi newspaper. Most people in this country are just too accepting about what's happening around them until it becomes too late. I'm now hoping against hope that before the actual election some major news will come up that will make people realize Mr.Abe or the LDP isn't the right choice for them any more.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A victory of the dictator, by the sheeple, and for the dictator's cronies. The problem with Japan is it doesn't react until something "happens". Well we can safely say Japan is - politically - sinking into the abyss. By the time the sheeple come to realise this (when the country implodes) it will be far too late

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Fig htinViking: You remember 360 time? I came to a univ in Calif. Resident was paying $5 for registlation fee and no tuition for any Calif. Public colleges and Univ. So, school officials arranged me to be Calif resident so that I did not have to pay too much Jaoanese money. My family bought me a house in Newport Beach because it was cheap then,

Abe will be elected by one of two ward in Yamaguchiken, If you live in other places, you can not boycott him or vote him, However, after LDP wins, there will be internal election for LDP Chairman. Then elected LDP Chair will become PM. So far only Abe and Aso seem to be candidates for Chair. If you hate Abe, you can recommend Aso to your area LDP elected member. Good luck.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Will this landslide victory herald some form of fiscal phenomenon a wonderous miracle of double digit economic growth??. If the media is to be believed, Abenomics will help the lame to walk and the blind to see.

Abe's Japan will shine like it never shone before all you have to do is give your support and believe. It is delivered with holy Joe reverence....It is truly surreal.

Yuko Obuchi has wisely plumbed for the ‘apology tour’, with the Guinness book of records on hand to varify the depth of bow some 40 times a day...“From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. I’m prepared to make a clean start. Please lend me your support,” supporters chanting “Keep up the good job, I support you”, re-election brings complete forgiveness. This is not democracy its poke and hope at best, astonishing complacency.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@itsonlyrocknrollDEC. 10, 2014 - 02:25AM JST . Yuko Obuchi has wisely plumbed for the ‘apology tour’, with the Guinness book of records on hand to varify the depth of bow some 40 times a day...“From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry. I’m prepared to make a clean start. Please lend me your support,” supporters chanting “Keep up the good job, I support you”, re-election brings complete forgiveness. This is not democracy its poke and hope at best, astonishing complacency

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Yuko Obuchi is PM material. I think it is about time Japan will have female PM. LDP chair candidates will be Abe and Aso but it will be nice if Obuchi will be included when more than a half of voters in Japan are female. She is more than good in Economics and can debate very well. She does not have a big nouth like Aso. .

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Media: Let us do your thinking for you.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The recession is not a result of Abe's economic policies but the tax increase introduced by the previous government.

A tax increase that the LDP also wanted and actively pushed for.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sheeple, it cooresponds to Japan voters well. Zero political awareness. Future, close or distant, is not moving towards peace but as history repeating itself. A simple change of constitution can lead to dire effects but only few hundreds of Japanese have common sense apparently. I love Japan as it works but with history in mind.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Zero political awareness

True. The only thing they are aware of is the screen of their mobile phones, which they can't seem to take their eyes away from, be it walking, cycling, or commuting. Back on topic, political apathy will win the day for Abe and his dictatorial aspirations

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Am I In a extra dimensional Japan to the média? 100% of the people I know do not support Abe.....

100%!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hi toshiko, Yuko Obuchi may prove to have the political ruthlessness to lead the LDP and become a future Prime Minster but it takes a strength of character that respectfully Yuko Obuchi has not displayed the consistent qualities that allow you to exercise control over your instincts in office. I won't harp. It's disappointing as Aso is well, Aso.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@iitsonly: I agree with you, I think Mrs Abe has more strength than her husband, She will not have money related scandal as she herself is loaded. Also, she may gain support more by women for Her Domestic Opposition Party than her husband. Last election, she worked for LDP members a;ll over in Japan and LDP toppled JDP. And she is healthy.

But Japan is not ready for female PM yet.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

toshiko, this break at home with family has been one of the most intriguing as rarely are any political opinions ever on show. There is a overwhelming acceptance that the current elections inevitable conclusion is as much the DPJ decision to cast themselves into the political wilderness as much as the LDP persuading the electorate that the economy can improve without taking remedial tax raising measures early 2015. Mrs Abe seems the more politically aware of the publics perception of her Husband agenda.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

toshiko: But Japan is not ready for female PM yet.

Obama got elected with much less experience than Dan Quayle and Hillary almost got elected (she may have beat Romney not for Obama beating her in primaries).

But I can see the difficulty in Japan with the Parliamentary system, electorate elects MPs and MPs pick PM from top guys in their party. Or something like that.

Would Japan elect female leader if MPs weren't in the way and leader was elected directly by the people?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It seems we can not believe media on prediction of election. /they used to tell that LDP will lose many seats. Now it says landslide. Either Aso or Abe will be next PM so I think Abe will elected by LDP members. More Abe until next election but I prefer Abe to Aso. However many people over here do not like Abe. Even so, I prefer Abe.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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