Economist Podcasts Land of the rising shun? Immigration and Japan’s politics
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Jul 21, 2025 
Moeka Iida, a Tokyo-based reporter and researcher for The Economist, teams up with Jacob Judah, a Europe writer, to dive into Japan's shifting political climate. They discuss the surprising loss of the Liberal Democratic Party’s majority, signaling a rise in populism. The duo also explores Japan's complex immigration policies in light of global trends. Additionally, they touch on Iceland’s defense considerations amid regional tensions, and the delicate balance of hybrid work dynamics post-pandemic, emphasizing the evolving nature of workplace culture.
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Shifting Political Landscape in Japan
- Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in both houses, signaling a shift in its long dominance.
- Social media-led populism and emerging parties challenge traditional politics in Japan.
Inflation and Immigration in Campaign
- Inflation and economic policy, including a rising cost of living, were central election issues.
- Immigration emerged as a hot button topic despite Japan's traditionally low foreign population.
LDP's Image and Media Challenge
- The 2022 assassination of Abe Shinzo exposed LDP's problematic links, harming its public image.
- Younger voters gravitate to social media, empowering smaller, tech-savvy parties over traditional media reliant LDP.