Japan's ruling bloc not yet assured of upper house majority: poll

Japan's ruling coalition is locked in a fierce battle with the opposition to secure a majority in the House of Councillors in the July 20 election, a Kyodo News poll and analysis showed Friday, leaving Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's goal of maintaining control of the chamber uncertain.The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is expected to lose ground from its pre-election strength in the 248-member chamber, as the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Democratic Party for the People are likely to gain seats. The ultraconservative Sanseito party also appears to be gaining momentum.Ky…READ FULL ARTICLE