The Rise of Regionalism in Japan

The Japanese political system may be on the verge of a radical shift. The popularity of the country's established national political parties, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is at a historic low, coinciding with record numbers of voters identifying themselves as independents.

At the same time, regional parties campaigning against entrenched Japanese bureaucratic interests are making gains and readying themselves for national elections. If they find success there, it could signify the first major change in the country's political system since World War II, which in turn would have a significant effect on regional dynamics.