Japan’s ruling coalition is facing a potential setback following exit polls from the Upper House election, which indicate its long-standing majority may be in jeopardy. As votes continue to be tallied, early figures suggest a shift in public sentiment, largely driven by growing anxiety over the country’s economic outlook.

According to exit polling conducted nationwide, nearly half of respondents identified rising prices and economic issues as their primary concerns at the ballot box. This trend reflects widespread unease with the cost of living, exacerbated by a weakening yen, increased import prices, and higher labor and logistics costs. While average wages have grown by over 5%, many voters appear unconvinced that these gains are sufficient to keep pace with inflation.

“The economy is the issue,” one voter in their 30s told pollsters, echoing a sentiment seen across age groups. In particular, younger voters—in their late teens, 20s, and 30s—showed higher-than-expected support for opposition parties, signaling a departure from traditional voting patterns that favored the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partners.

The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) capitalized on this momentum, putting forward a platform centered on tangible improvements to take-home pay and household finances. Their message appears to have resonated widely, including among demographics that had previously leaned toward the LDP. A representative from the DPP remarked that the party’s focus on “daily economic realities” struck a chord with voters who feel left behind by macroeconomic measures.

Despite setbacks, coalition leaders urged caution in interpreting the early numbers. Some races remain too close to call, and official results could still shift the overall outcome. However, they also pushed back against opposition economic policies, particularly proposals to cut the national sales tax. “Slashing the consumption tax now would undercut vital funding for social security systems,” a senior official with the LDP noted, warning of long-term fiscal risks.

The election marks a critical juncture for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government. While the Upper House does not choose the prime minister, it holds substantial power over legislation and budgets. A weakened majority—or potential loss of control—could hinder the administration’s ability to pass key reforms.

As the country navigates an increasingly complex economic landscape, with inflationary pressures and demographic concerns looming, the results of this election are likely to have lasting implications. Voter turnout and ballot patterns suggest that economic messaging, more than ideological affiliation, is shaping Japan’s political realignment.

Final official results are expected to be confirmed later this week. Until then, the ruling bloc’s position remains uncertain, and political analysts will be watching closely for signs of how the government plans to respond to the electorate’s shifting priorities.