Miki Watanabe, former chairman of pub chain Watami Co., and former Osaka Gov. Fusae Ota were among the most prominent candidates to win seats Sunday in the proportional representation section of the Liberal Democratic Party's Upper House ticket.

Watanabe, 53, showed up at his campaign office in Ota Ward, Tokyo, soon after 4 a.m. Monday up to greet supporters.

"It's been a long night," he said as he bowed to the crowd.