The House of Representatives election, considered the shortest in the post-war period from dissolution to voting, has begun, with daily street speeches unfolding. What prospects and determination do the parties fielding candidates in the prefecture’s single-seat districts have as they face this “election to choose the government”? We asked prefectural organization officials who responded to our interview.
The ruling coalition framework has changed from “LDP-Komeito” to “LDP-Ishin”…

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts based on state population, with its primary powers including initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials.

LDP

“LDP” most commonly refers to the **Liberal Democratic Party of Japan**, which is not a physical place but a major political institution. Founded in 1955, it has been the dominant ruling party in Japan for most of the post-war era, shaping the country’s modern political and economic landscape. Its history is central to understanding contemporary Japan’s governance, policies, and its period of rapid economic growth known as the “Japanese Miracle.”

Komeito

“Komeito” is not a place or cultural site, but a Japanese political party. It was founded in 1964 as the political wing of the Buddhist lay organization Soka Gakkai. Today, it is known as Komeito (or Clean Government Party) and is a junior coalition partner in Japan’s long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party-led government.

Ishin

“Ishin” most likely refers to the **Ishin-denshin** (以心伝心), a Japanese cultural concept meaning “heart-to-heart communication” or “telepathy,” rather than a physical place. It is a core principle in Japanese arts, Zen Buddhism, and social interactions, emphasizing unspoken, intuitive understanding. Historically, it stems from Zen teachings, where true meaning is conveyed beyond words, deeply influencing traditional arts like tea ceremony, calligraphy, and martial arts.