Prof. Masaru YARIME, Associate Professor of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL), was featured on RTHK's morning news programme “Hong Kong Today” on July 22, offering professional commentary on the outcome of Japan’s upper house election and its broader implications.

As an expert in public policy, Prof. Yarime noted the surprising rise of newer parties such as the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito. He highlighted a shift among younger voters, many of whom opted for emerging alternatives over traditional parties like the Liberal Democratic Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party.

He emphasized that inflation and economic insecurity were the key concerns shaping voter behavior, “At least it’s clear that people are not necessarily happy with the government policies at this moment,” he remarked, stressing that the fractured majority in both houses would make policymaking increasingly complex.

Looking ahead, Prof. Yarime emphasized the LDP’s need to reconnect with younger generations and build broader coalitions if it hopes to maintain political relevance in an evolving landscape.

Listen to the full interview: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1814461-20250721.htm