“日本人优先”成选举焦点，自民党遭遇历史性惨败

Group 1 - The recent Japanese Senate election marked the hottest voting day in history, with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) failing to secure a majority in both houses for the first time since its establishment in 1955 [1] - The Senate has 248 seats, with 125 contested in this election, resulting in opposition parties winning 78 seats, while the LDP and Komeito secured only 47 seats, a significant drop from 141 seats prior to the election [1] - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba accepted the election results and expressed his intention to continue governing despite calls for his resignation from within the party [2][38] Group 2 - The election highlighted the rise of smaller opposition parties advocating for policies like lowering consumption tax and prioritizing Japanese interests, with the emerging Seijinto party gaining 14 seats [3][27] - Ishiba's government faced criticism for lacking a clear vision and failing to address pressing issues such as high prices and US tariff negotiations, leading to low public support [3][10] - The LDP's strategy of cash handouts was criticized as insufficient to address public dissatisfaction, while opposition parties proposed more substantial tax cuts [15][16] Group 3 - The election results are seen as a turning point for the LDP, indicating a shift in Japan's political landscape and a potential decline in the party's long-standing dominance [33] - The LDP's internal divisions and declining support from traditional bases, such as agricultural cooperatives, have raised concerns about its future [33][34] - The fragmented nature of opposition parties makes it unlikely for them to form a cohesive government, despite calls for a change in leadership [36][37]