Politics

The Allegations: Russian Interference via Social Media In the wake of Japan’s 2025 Upper House election, concerns have emerged over alleged foreign interference—specifically, rumors that Russia may have used social media to sow division and influence public opinion. According to The Japan News, suspicious viral posts during the campaign period were traced to bot activity linked to Russian interests. These posts often targeted Japan’s foreign aid policies and attempted to stir domestic resentment, particularly after the Noto Peninsula earthquake. ...

📉 A Historic Decline in Power For the first time in its 70-year history, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has lost its majority in both houses of the Diet. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition suffered back-to-back defeats in the 2024 Lower House and 2025 Upper House elections, marking a dramatic shift in Japan’s political landscape. 🧓 Changing Voter Demographics Elderly voter turnout dropped significantly, especially in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election. Younger voters are gravitating toward populist and anti-establishment parties, such as Sanseito and DPFP. Independent voters are increasingly rejecting the LDP, with exit polls showing a sharp decline in support. 📱 The Role of Social Media Platforms like X and YouTube have amplified anti-LDP sentiment, shifting public discourse. Right-wing populist content and misinformation have eroded trust in mainstream parties. Some LDP figures blame foreign interference, though evidence remains limited. 🏛️ Weakening Support Base Traditional support from rural voters and business groups is thinning. Scandals involving political funds and religious ties have damaged credibility. Conservative voters are flocking to opposition parties with stronger nationalist messaging. 💸 Economic Discontent Inflation and the “Reiwa rice crisis” have hit households hard. LDP’s ¥20,000 handout was seen as insufficient and out of touch. Opposition parties gained traction with tax-cut proposals and economic reforms. 🧭 What’s Next? The LDP faces a crossroads. With voter demographics shifting and digital platforms reshaping opinion, the party must evolve to avoid further decline. Whether it can reconnect with the public and adapt to Japan’s changing political climate remains to be seen. ...

📊 Rice Prices Have Skyrocketed Since 2024 In early 2024, a 5kg bag of rice typically cost around ¥2,000. By spring 2025, prices hit over ¥4,000 for certain brands, sparking concern across Japan. What caused this dramatic spike? 🔍 Key Reasons Behind the Surge Extreme weather: The 2023 heatwave significantly reduced the percentage of premium-grade rice. Tourism boom: Rising demand from inbound tourism pressured food supply chains. Distribution chaos: JA struggled to purchase rice, forcing retailers into costly spot purchases. Weakened yen & high farming costs: Fertilizer, fuel, and pesticide costs skyrocketed, prompting farmers to raise prices. 🏛 Koizumi Steps In With Rice Reserves In early 2025, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi authorized the release of over 300,000 tons of government-stored rice from the 2020–2021 stock. ...