Although polls show that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is likely to secure a majority of seats, with only three days left before the election, negative reports have emerged about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which could impact the election outcome.
Japan's Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine revealed that Sanae Takaichi is linked to the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Unification Church), attracting attention.
In Japanese society, this religious group is alleged to have a "mutually beneficial" relationship with conservative figures in the LDP. While Takaichi has always insisted she has had "no dealings whatsoever" with the "Unification Church," the magazine, citing an anonymous political source and a list of addresses sent from Takaichi's office, exposed that she sent a congratulatory card to this religious group in 2016.
According to a survey by the Mainichi Shimbun, half of the electorate are independent voters with no party affiliation, and over 70% of them say they have not clearly decided which party they will vote for. As such, every move by Sanae Takaichi is expected to influence the direction of these swing votes.
Forty-three Abe faction lawmakers supported by Sanae Takaichi, who are embroiled in factional politics, have also been seen as a negative factor for her. Previously, when responding to related questions on television, Takaichi repeatedly said: "Please give them another chance to work. They only made a mistake or oversight, and I hope they can be active in politics once again."
These remarks have become the focal point of opposition attacks on the LDP. Opposition groups such as the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Komeito-led "Centrist Reform Alliance" criticized, "This shows the LDP has no remorse at all."