Japanese Election 2021: Is Japan a De Facto One Party State?

Published in The Zeitgeist

Fumio Kishida, the current Prime Minister of Japan, called a snap election this fall after poor approval ratings throughout the year for his party, the Liberal Democratic Party. Photo: Rodrigo Reyes Marin/AP

On October 31st, 2021, Japan held an emergency snap election, sparking speculation about the potential downfall of the ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Widely regarded as one of the most successful political parties globally, the LDP has maintained a majority in every election since its inception in 1955, with only a brief interruption from 2009 to 2012.

The contemporary identity of the LDP is closely associated with the influential figure of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Renowned for his efforts against corruption and organized crime, Abe garnered national attention for surviving multiple attempted assassinations by Japanese gangster groups known as the Yakuza. Additionally, his role in negotiating the return of Japanese abductees from North Korea bolstered his reputation.

Abe's ascent within the party culminated in his victory in a leadership election, making him one of the youngest Prime Ministers in Japanese history. During his tenure, he pursued tax reforms, promoted patriotic education, and navigated diplomatic challenges, notably resisting pressure from China and North Korea.

However, Abe's premiership faced a significant setback in 2007 when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, leading to his resignation. Subsequent leadership changes within the LDP, coupled with Abe's absence, weakened the party, culminating in its defeat in the 2009 election, the only loss since its founding.

Following medical treatment, Abe returned to lead the party and won the 2012 election, marking the beginning of a successful tenure. Serving four terms as Prime Minister, Abe achieved the distinction of becoming Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister by 2019. His policies across economic, diplomatic, and social spheres garnered widespread approval, seemingly ensuring the LDP's continued dominance. However, Abe's health issues resurfaced in 2020, prompting his unexpected retirement from politics, leaving the LDP facing a leadership vacuum.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prepares to deliver a policy speech at the start of the extraordinary Diet session in Tokyo on October 24, 2018. Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

Following Shinzo Abe's retirement, Yoshihide Suga assumed leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) but faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic, leading to a significant decline in his approval ratings. Subsequently, Fumio Kishida won the party leadership election and swiftly called for a snap general election to seek a mandate from the public.

The opposition saw an opportunity amid the LDP's leadership turmoil, with the party facing two emergency leadership elections within a short span, coupled with criticism over its COVID policies and multiple cabinet reshuffles. Additionally, the opposition strategically collaborated, forming alliances and running joint candidates in electoral units, thereby narrowing the electoral contests to two candidates in each district.

Despite widespread anticipation for an LDP defeat, the party emerged victorious in the general election, securing a clear majority in the House of Representatives.

On the surface, the reasons behind the LDP's success in the election is unclear. It was not because of Prime Minister Kishida’s approval rating, which is unusually low for a Prime Minister (around 40-45%). It is not because of the governmental system, since the opposition had made every regional election a one-on-one.

So why did the LDP win the election?

The LDP dominated the elections, winning 284 of the 465 electoral districts. Photo: 沁水湾/Wikipedia

Well, unfortunately, it is because the entrenched dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japanese politics has led to a de facto one-party state, with the party's long-standing rule shaping the perception of stability in Japanese society. Despite widespread discontent with the LDP, especially regarding its COVID policies, voters cite stability as the primary and consistent reason for supporting the party. Many people cannot imagine a Japan without the LDP in power, fearing weak foreign policy, increasing crime, and economic uncertainty if they leave power.

Critics argue that the LDP's prolonged tenure in power poses risks to democracy, as consecutive terms could lead to further exploitation of authority, and reinforce patterns of corruption and unequal political influence. The party has already exhibited signs of favoritism through regional funding disparities, media domination, and close ties with major corporations, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.

But in response to accusations of anti-democratic behavior, LDP politicians assert their commitment to democracy, emphasizing their adherence to democratic mandates granted by the electorate. They wouldn't be in politics, their argument goes, if no one had elected them.

But many lawmakers say it is unhealthy to have such a lack of competition, even if one party is constantly democratically reelected. Their entrenched power only increases corruption and favoritism, limiting reform to many of the broken political institutions in the nation.

Others argue that the LDP has delivered economic prosperity and political stability to Japan, prompting a nuanced debate about the trade-offs between effective governance and democratic integrity.

Whatever the case may be, the future trajectory of Japanese democracy hinges on these decisions and the priorities of its citizens, who must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of prolonged LDP rule in shaping the country's political landscape. Ultimately, the ongoing governance by the LDP underscores the need for critical reflection on the evolving nature of democracy in Japan and the broader implications for democratic governance worldwide.