[On the Scene] "I wish the LDP would win by a landslide" — Sanae Takaichi’s final campaign stop in Tokyo

Financial News, Tokyo — by correspondent Seo Hye-jin."I hope the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) wins by a landslide in this House of Representatives election. I want Japan to become stronger by reinforcing its national defense. We must not turn this country into a paradise for spies," said a self-employed Japanese man in his 50s.Around 3 p.m. on the 7th, one day before the House of Representatives election, Kasuga Isogawa Park in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo Metropolis, was packed shoulder to shoulder on the final day of campaigning. Liberal Democratic Party staff checked every bag and scanned people with metal detectors, so it took tens of minutes just to enter the rally area, yet that did nothing to dampen voters’ enthusiasm to see Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in person.
People interviewed on site said they supported Prime Minister Takaichi regardless of their usual political leanings or party preferences, and many expressed hope that the LDP would win this election.
The self-employed man in his 50s said, "I used to support Komeito, which is more centrist, but this time I chose the LDP. It’s 100% because of Takaichi."
He cited defense and security as the most important issues. "External threats are increasing and diversifying, including hacking from North Korea. If things continue like this, there is even a fear that, in relations with China, we could end up like the Uyghurs. Japan needs to become stronger," he stressed.
A couple in their 40s who live in Chiba Prefecture also drove more than an hour to see Prime Minister Takaichi. "We usually support the hardline conservative Japan Conservative Party, but this time we want to give our support to Takaichi. We hope the LDP secures more than a majority of seats so that Takaichi can smoothly push forward her policies," they said. Asked why they back Takaichi, they pointed to her expansionary fiscal policy, tough stance on China, push for constitutional revision, and commitment to strengthening national security.
On China policy in particular, they commented, "Until now, the LDP had cozy ties with China and pursued policies that were relatively favorable to Beijing. There were hardly any special regulations on real estate investment, so we felt uneasy seeing large amounts of Chinese capital flow in. We feel reassured because Takaichi is responding firmly."
■"Clear policies and way of speaking" — young voters pack the rally siteReflecting the strong support Takaichi enjoys among younger voters, a significant share of the crowd at the rally was made up of young people.
Groups of university students in their 20s stood chatting together, while office workers in their 30s listened quietly on their own. Newlyweds carrying infants were also visible in the crowd. A woman in her late 40s remarked in surprise, "It’s the first time I’ve seen an LDP rally look this young."
A 19-year-old female university student living in Kanagawa Prefecture said, "I like Prime Minister Takaichi because her policies and way of speaking are clear," adding, "I don’t really know much about politics or policy. It’s not because she’s conservative; I just personally find her appealing."
When Prime Minister Takaichi climbed onto the campaign vehicle and took the microphone to support Liberal Democratic Party candidate Hayato Suzuki, a former Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) official running in this constituency, a sea of hands holding up phones rose at once to take photos.
Mentioning companies based in Bunkyo Ward, Prime Minister Takaichi declared, "We need to increase the number of companies that invest properly here at home. The state must take a step forward and help them. Ensuring that Japan grows and that wealth flows into Japan — this is what responsible, active fiscal policy under the Takaichi Cabinet is all about." Her words drew loud applause.
■ Crowds spill into second-floor restaurants and subway platforms to "see Takaichi"The crowds grew even larger at each subsequent campaign stop. Around 5 p.m., at the LDP rally site by the south exit of Asagaya Station in Suginami Ward, lines were already forming from the ticket gates an hour before the speeches were set to begin. Police raised their voices as they struggled to control the pushing and shoving.
To catch a glimpse of Prime Minister Takaichi, some people went into restaurants on the second floor of the station building, while others, unable to find a seat there either, headed back into the station to take photos from the platform, which was soon packed with people.
A housewife in her 30s who came with a friend said, "I support the LDP because I support Takaichi. Before she became prime minister, I wasn’t interested in politics and didn’t have a party I supported." Saying she liked Takaichi’s ability to get things done, the woman added, "She moved quickly to cut the gasoline tax, didn’t she? I hope Takaichi wins this election."
Prime Minister Takaichi wrapped up her campaign schedule at Futakotamagawa Park in Setagaya Ward at 7 p.m. on the 7th. From traditional middle-class areas like Bunkyo Ward to working-class neighborhoods in Kita Ward, youth-oriented cultural districts in Suginami Ward, and affluent new middle-class areas in Setagaya Ward, she conducted an expansive campaign that cut across generations, social classes, and lifestyles in a bid to win over voters.

Voting in the House of Representatives election being held today, the 8th, will close at 8 p.m. However, due to heavy snowfall and other factors, closing times will be moved up at 18,537 of the nation’s 44,642 polling stations, or 42%. According to the weather agency, blizzard-level snowfall is expected over the Sea of Japan, and snow is also forecast for Pacific coast areas from Kyushu and Western Japan through Eastern Japan.
In general, voter turnout tends to rise as interest among centrist voters increases. The last time turnout in a House of Representatives election exceeded 60% was in 2009. Turnout also tends to be higher among older age groups.
According to an announcement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) the previous day, 20,796,327 people cast early ballots in single-member districts between the 28th of last month and the 6th of this month. That is an increase of 4,363,881 people, or 26.56%, compared with the same period in the 2024 House of Representatives election.
Early voters accounted for 20.09% of all eligible voters, 4.27 percentage points higher than the 15.82% recorded in the previous election. The number of early voters increased compared with the last election in all 47 prefectures nationwide.
sjmary@fnnews.com Seo Hye-jin Reporter