As you may have seen in news-flashes on your local new source, the DPJ has pulled in a momentous victory in Japan’s Lower House elections held just yesterday. In fact it has taken a clear majority with 308 seats, 319 if you include prospective coalition partners such as the Social Democratic Party, People’s New Party and New Party Nippon. The LDP on the other hand has seen its coalition majority with the New Komeito dwindle from a staggering 331 pre-election to a humble 140 post. The two ousted parties received 119 and 21 seats respectively, down from 300 and 31 in the 2005 election.

DPJ party leader and soon to be Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, was considerably reserved during TV interviews last night, even when his party’s victory seemed sealed. Hatoyama made the statement, perhaps very wisely so, that: “This must become more than just a victory for the DPJ. It is (our) duty to make this a victory for the nation.”

With record breaking voter turnout one can be sure that there will be a great deal of pressure for the DPJ to deliver not only on political promises, but also on the revival of Japan’s wounded economy. Official figures released from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications place voter turnout at a whopping 69.28%, a new record under the current voting system.

Commentary has also cautioned the LDP’s need to firmly take up the reigns as opposition party, as there is no time for licking wounds in the current economic state.

As the dust settles and we very quickly enter the extraordinary session of the Diet, we’ll be back with analysis of what went on and where things are headed.

In the meantime we leave you with food for thought in shape of some local coverage.

Japan Today

Moving Forward

Asahi, Herald Tribune

Election Won

Asahi, Herald Tribune #2

Election Lost

Mainichi

Losing Favor