Introduction

Since World War II, Japan has seen dramatic changes that have continued to this day, as it has continued on its journey from international pariah to economic superpower and perhaps future global leader. That journey has seen significant events along the way that can act as markers to periods in post-war Japan history. The economic turmoil that occurred as a result as a result of the subprime crisis in the fall of 2008 and the subsequent landslide Lower House election victory of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in August 2009 represent one of those frequent turning points in the history of this nation. On July 11, 2010, the new era received its first test.

The results tell their own story: The DPJ ended the night the biggest losers, seeing their presence fall by XX seats. Meanwhile, the biggest opposition party, the Liberal Democratic Party ended the night with XX seats, giving them a majority in the Upper House. While the DPJ still dominates the more powerful Lower House, it now faces an opposition-controlled Upper House.

But what brought about this result? How has the public reacted to it? and perhaps most importantly, what are its implications for the future of the nation?

In the coming pages it will be argued that XX.

Japan has not changed, it is changing. It’s future will be greatly influenced by the events of July 11.