Overview
- Two election calendars are being treated as likely: public notice Jan. 27 with voting Feb. 8, or notice Feb. 3 with voting Feb. 15.
- Opposition coordination is accelerating, with CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda and Komeito’s Tetsuo Saito agreeing to explore election cooperation.
- Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura and Osaka Mayor Hidetaka Yokoyama intend to resign and seek re-election in a synchronized local vote timed with the general election, according to sources.
- Yoshimura also raised the possibility of pursuing a third referendum on the Osaka Metropolis plan in conjunction with a re-election campaign.
- A February vote would be the first lower house election in 36 years, and officials and analysts caution that severe winter weather could depress turnout, while Okinawa’s governor warns of budget execution risks.