Nhk: Ruling Coalition Heading For Larger Upper House Presence
NHK's decision desk is now projecting that the ruling coalition will win Sunday's election and increase its presence in the Upper House.
Our projections also show Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner, Komeito, have taken more than half of the available seats.
Kishida says it is significant that he was able to complete the campaign after former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was shot and killed days ago.
As for his policies moving forward, Kishida says he will continue to listen to the people and take their voices into account. Kishida also touched on amending the Constitution, saying he will promote discussion in the Diet to produce a concrete proposal.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party looks set to lose seats in the Upper House.
The party leader, Izumi Kenta, said his party must rally the opposition bloc. He said he will do all he can to ensure his party regains its power.
The LDP and Komeito are projected to reach a combined total of 70 seats.
The LDP alone has taken 59 seats so far.
There is a chance that it will reach 63 seats -- half of the number being contested -- even without the help of its coalition partner.
Of the other parties, the Constitutional Democratic Party has taken 12 seats.
Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party has 10.
The Democratic Party for the People has 2.
The Japanese Communist Party has 3.
Reiwa Shinsengumi has taken 1.
The Social Democratic Party and NHK Party have not won any seats. And the tally for all others is 5 seats.