Campaigning began today in an election expected to strengthen Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's control over parliament, ushering in the stability he needs to fix Japan's floundering economy.
Voters nationwide will go to the polls on July 21 to elect half of the 242 seats in the upper house of the legislature.
With approval ratings as high as 70 per cent, Abe is expected to romp home, bagging control of both chambers and not having to face a public vote for three years. Supporters say he will use that political clout to force changes on cosseted and inefficient industries, like agriculture.