According to ChainCatcher, the Japanese Asahi Shimbun reported on Tuesday that the ruling coalition might lose its majority seats in the House of Councillors election on July 20, which would increase the risk of political instability as Japan strives to reach a trade agreement with the United States. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and its coalition partner Komeito are likely to win around 35 seats on Sunday, which is below the 50 seats needed to maintain their majority.
The report is based on telephone and online surveys of voters conducted from July 13 to 14, as well as investigations by the newspaper's reporters nationwide. The support for Ishiba's government has declined due to rising living costs, including a surge in the price of rice, a staple food in Japan. (Jintian)
