The Liberal Democratic Party and its allies show signs of losing their parliament control in recent polls. This shift could reshape Japanʼs political scene
During its seven-decade rule the LDP lost power only a few times: First in early-80s when low voter turn-out forced them to team-up with the New Liberal Club (a now-gone break-away group). Later in the mid-90s corruption issues made seven opposition parties join forces and push LDP out - but that coalition didnt last even a year
The early-2000s brought more challenges; after Prime Minister Keizo Obuchiʼs sudden death Yoshiro Mori took charge - his not-so-smart comments hurt the partyʼs image. This led to a game-changing partnership with Komeito (backed by Buddhist groups) thats still active today
- Lost power to Democratic Party during global money crisis
- Regained control after Fukushima nuclear plant problems
- Opposition split into Constitutional Democrats and Democratic Party for People
The LDPs most notable defeat happened about 15 years ago when the Democratic Party won big; however their handling of the devastating earthquake and tsunami near Fukushima made way for LDPs comeback. Since then theyʼve stayed in charge - but todayʼs polls suggest things might change again