Looking over this years electoral campaign, it’s quite obvious that Sanseito were allowed to steer the narrative, which likely is why Takaichi became PM in the first place.

I feel that UC is somewhat separate from Sanseito though… And my point was, one positive (among many obvious negatives). Re: foreigners, I have a feeling (but might be wrong) that LDP will moderate their positions once the issue is off the radar.

I think overall, it’s still preferable to Sanseito, in case this leads to the party becoming marginal and their influence waning, they won’t drive the narrative in future elections which I think would be preferable.

Conservative circles around new LDP leader Takaichi have already started criticizing Ishiba, stating Ishiba wants to tie her to his views by making the statement just before the end of his time as PM

Still, Western Europe is safer and has lower crime rate than countries like Russia or US who tend to criticize us.

I feel totally fine letting my kids grow up in both Europe and Japan, others can criticize us if they want. The political winds are temporary.

Actually, it's exactly the same right-wing populism as in Western Europe. I see very little difference between the two. But if you really think Takaichi will reduce immigration to Japan, I think its unlikely. Its just rhetoric.

(I think this is not what you are getting at, but I don't really care)

Lower House election before end of the year? Or will she try to work with Sanseito and other right-wing parties to have some conservative coalition?

Feeling like guessing who will win?

The ministry of internal affairs and communications (MIC) argue that they treat same-sex couples who fill in they are “spouses” as “mistakes” and change the answers manually.