日本参议院选举公示，物价对策成为焦点

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming Japanese Senate election on July 3 will test the performance of the Shimo Abe administration and opposition parties, with key issues including measures against rising prices and social security reforms [1][2]. Group 1: Election Overview - A total of 516 candidates are competing for 125 seats in the Senate, with 343 in electoral districts and 173 in proportional representation [1]. - The election will determine half of the 248 Senate seats, with the ruling coalition aiming to secure over half of the contested seats [1]. - Prime Minister Shimo Abe has set a target for the ruling party to secure a majority, while the main opposition leader aims to keep the ruling party below a majority [1]. Group 2: Key Issues - The primary debate centers around strategies to address high prices, with the Constitutional Democratic Party proposing to eliminate the consumption tax on food starting April 2026 and provide a ¥20,000 subsidy before tax reduction [2]. - The ruling coalition has also proposed a ¥20,000 cash distribution to each citizen, while Prime Minister Shimo Abe criticized the tax reduction approach, emphasizing the importance of fiscal sources [2]. - Social security reform is a common ground for both ruling and opposition parties, with recent legislative changes to pension systems being a focal point [2]. Group 3: Election Dynamics - The outcome will heavily depend on the 32 single-member districts, where major opposition candidates will compete, potentially benefiting the ruling party if opposition votes are split [2]. - The performance of emerging parties like the Reiwa Shinsengumi and the Japan Conservative Party will also be closely watched [2]. - Voting will conclude at 8 PM on July 20, with results expected to be announced early on July 21 [2].