The main problem voters face in Sunday's Lower House poll is that no party has presented a clear vision to address public concerns about the future, according to journalist Soichiro Tawara.
Most people fear their living standard will fall in the future because they expect the state to raise taxes while reducing pension and other welfare benefits, said Tawara, who is known for his weekly TV debates with politicians.
"The greatest task before each party is to portray a bright future and wipe out public anxiety," Tawara said in an interview. "But the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition has so far failed to do so."