Campaigning for Japan upper house election begins, inflation tests PM

Official campaigning began in Japan on Thursday for the July 20 House of Councillors election, a crucial test for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his minority government as voters struggle with the rising cost of living.Ishiba has set a goal for the ruling coalition of his Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito party to retain its majority in the 248-member upper house, meaning it will need to win at least 50 seats in the upcoming race in which 125 seats are up for grabs.The target is seen as a relatively low hurdle for the ruling camp, which controlled the upper chamber before the elec…READ FULL ARTICLE