Although foreigners couldn't vote in Sunday's election, many were focused on its outcome.
"I want the DPJ to win the election. I see Japan as being very conservative, and to become more progressive the first thing required is a change of government," said Joel Horne, 25, a British national and researcher at a video game and publishing firm.
"My fear is that things will change very little, as I believe some of the main differences between the two parties are on foreign policy. However, as I generally disagree with the current policies of strong alliance with the U.S. and supporting war in the Middle East, a change in that area sounds like a good idea," said Horne, who has been in Japan for three years and lives in Meguro Ward, Tokyo.