NHK


 

Voters in Japan are heading to the polls to choose Upper House representatives after a campaign dominated by debate over surging prices and national security.

Only half of the chamber's seats are being contested, which is routine for Upper House elections. The ruling coalition is looking to keep control of the house by grabbing 55.

The main opposition party says it wants the coalition's rivals to win a majority of the open seats.

Candidates have faced off on ways to address the economic fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine as well as its effect on regional security, and also, social security.

Another key issue is the Constitution. Japan has not changed its basic law in 75 years and the main ruling party says it should be updated to fit the times.

Kick-starting the amendment process means getting a proposal approved by two-thirds of both houses. Political watchers will be eying today's election results to see if parties in favor of revision reach this benchmark.
Vote counting begins at 8 p.m. on Sunday.