Security is the key word for the July 11 Upper House election, which focuses on two major issues: pension reform and Self-Defense Force participation in a multinational force in Iraq. At stake are Japan's social security system (including pensions, health care and nursing services for the elderly) and its contributions to international security -- defining issues for the nation in the 21st century.
Unlike a Lower House general election, an Upper House election is not meant to choose a government. Still, for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who has entered his fourth year in office, the election will be a referendum on his reform agenda. For the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, which made dramatic gains in November's general election, it will be a preliminary test of its ability to take power in the next general election.
Upper House members have a six-year term of office; half of them are elected every three years. Because of this, an Upper House election can be regarded as an "off-year election." Nevertheless, experience shows that its outcome often sparks a political upheaval.