On July 4, the Democratic Party of Japan issued the following statement:

Japan is now at a crossroads. This House of Councillors election is one which will call upon voters to decide whether to consign the future direction of the nation to the LDP-Komeito coalition or whether to exercise the check function possessed by the House of Councillors in order to stop the ruling parties running rampant.

During the past six months, the yen has weakened and share prices have risen. However, wages remain static and only prices continue to rise. While strong side effects are a concern, hard-working people and those living in rural areas do not have a sense that the economy is recovering. Inequalities just keep on growing.

The Abe Administration has postponed the pension, medical and long-term care reforms that were promised to the Japanese people, and there is talk of measures which will further destabilize employment. We also have grave doubts as to whether the ruling coalition will really continue with support for childrearing and education.

Moreover, the administration has gone back on their promise to reduce the number of seats in the Diet, which was a condition for dissolving the Diet [at the last general election], and nuclear policy is being changed in a drip, drip, drip way. They are also trying to weaken the requirements for carrying out amendments to the Constitution in advance, without first calling on the people to give their verdict on the actual proposed revisions.

The LDP-Komeito coalition is proclaiming that they will eliminate the “twisted” Diet at this election. However, if a giant governing coalition with a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives also gains a majority in the House of Councillors, we will no longer be able to stop their excesses.

The Democratic Party of Japan has taken its first step towards renewal by visiting and talking to local people around the country. We have listened to the quiet and heartfelt voices that have failed to reach the ears of politicians.

The Democratic Party of Japan will return to our roots and stand with ordinary people and workers, implementing a politics which cherishes lives, livelihoods, and the future. We will stand by the victims of the disaster, value working people, increase incomes, and strengthen and enrich the middle class in order to revive the Japanese economy.

We will proceed with reliable medical, pension and long-term care reforms, expand investment in people, including childrearing and education, and clear the path to Japan’s future through ensuring the active participation of women.

The Democratic Party of Japan is the only responsible opposition party that is capable of changing places with the LDP and correcting the mistakes made by the current ruling parties. We will take your words and your feelings to heart and fight this House of Councillors election with the sole aim of “Helping to Protect Lives and Livelihoods”.

We ask you to give your utmost support and assistance in order to encourage the Democratic Party of Japan and Democratic Party of Japan candidates.