Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s sudden call for elections on 16 December has reopened the future direction of Japan’s politics. Just three years (and three prime ministers) after the historical shift of power to the DPJ on its promise of a break with the past, the public’s frustration with government and politics seems to be driving change once again. With the LDP ahead in the polls, but facing new challenges as new political parties and alliances are being created, the composition of the next government remains highly uncertain.

For the International Policy Forum’s Election Briefing 2012, GR Japan’s Managing Director Jakob Edberg spoke about the new political landscape taking shape: the key players and political groups; what they stand for; and their likely impact on policy. Jakob looked at the most likely election outcomes, based on opinion polls and research, and the future course of policy in the areas of economy and industry, energy, health, trade and regulatory reform.