Sat Jul 19 03:17:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) face a tough battle in the upcoming upper house elections. A loss could destabilize the government amid rising prices, high US tariffs, and growing support for populist parties. Dissatisfaction stems from past corruption scandals, rice shortages, and trade disputes with the US. Emerging populist parties are capitalizing on anti-foreigner sentiment and traditionalist values. Even if the LDP wins, Ishiba’s leadership will remain weak, requiring cooperation with the fractured opposition to address pressing economic and social issues.
The fractured state of the opposition makes forming a viable government alternative difficult, increasing political uncertainty in Japan.
**News Article:**
**Japan’s Ruling Party Faces Grim Outlook Amid Economic Woes and Rising Populism**
**Tokyo, July 19, 2025** – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing a crucial test in Sunday’s upper house elections, as his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) struggles to maintain its grip on power amid economic turmoil and a surge in populist sentiment. A poor showing could plunge Japan into further political instability, just as the nation grapples with rising prices, US tariffs, and growing social anxieties.
The LDP’s support has been eroded by a series of factors, including past corruption scandals and public frustration over rising prices, particularly the doubling of rice prices due to supply shortages and trade disputes.
President Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Japanese goods has further exacerbated the situation, hindering the government’s ability to address economic concerns effectively.
Adding to Ishiba’s woes, emerging populist parties are gaining traction, particularly those with anti-foreigner platforms. The “Sanseito” party, for example, advocates for stricter immigration policies and prioritizing Japanese citizens in welfare programs, feeding into xenophobic sentiments. These sentiments are being spread on social media and through campaign rhetoric. Other populist parties have also been pushing anti-vaccine and anti-globalist stances.
“Foreigners are used as targets to vent their discontent and unease,” said Yu Uchiyama, a University of Tokyo professor of political science, drawing parallels to the scapegoating seen in Europe and the United States under Mr. Trump.
Even if the LDP manages to secure a majority, Ishiba’s leadership is expected to remain weak, forcing the government to seek cooperation with a fractured opposition to enact meaningful policies. The opposition, while gaining ground, remains divided and unable to form a united front against the ruling coalition.
“Either way, it is essential for the minority government to seek opposition parties’ cooperation to achieve any policy,” Uchiyama said.
Top opposition leaders, such as Yoshihiko Noda, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, view the loss of ruling coalition majorities in both houses of parliament as an opportunity to push policies like cuts in the consumption tax, recognition of same-sex marriages, and a law allowing married couples the option of each keeping their own names.
The outcome of Sunday’s election could have significant implications for Japan’s economic and social future, as the nation navigates a challenging landscape of domestic pressures and international uncertainties.
First Piper 