The Japanese 2009 House of Representatives elections: the beginning of real change and the end of one-party dominance in Japan?

Abstract

In the 2009 House of Representatives election in Japan, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) took complete control of the government from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Formed in 1996, the DPJ had gradually grown and expanded, taking control of the Upper House, the House of Councillors, in July 2007. After two years of confrontational politics, the 2009 election win meant that, for the first time since 1955, the LDP have no control at all in Japan. This article examines the problems that faced the LDP and DPJ prior to the election, their manifestos and public opinion polls, before providing a detailed analysis of the election data and the way in which the DPJ managed to seize control of the Lower House with the largest majority ever seen in Japan. It assesses the first year of the DPJ government and how it has managed in taking over government problems, dealing with international issues and finding ways to enhance the budget for the future. Finally, it discusses the extent to which this could have a long-term impact on the party system in Japan.