Japan’s Ruling Party Focuses on Defense in Election Pledges

  • Next election test for ruling LDP may come in three years
  • Inflation and weak yen are a worry for the government

Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) during a review at JGSDF Camp Asaka in Tokyo. 

Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg
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Defense and foreign policy are the top priorities for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party in its election pledges, as it looks to keep control of the upper house of parliament in a July 10 vote.

Diplomacy and security are of high importance, Sanae Takaichi, the LDP’s policy chief, said at a news briefing Thursday to roll out election priorities, adding “there’s no economy” if the country’s territory and people are not protected.