Japan 's 12-day election season begins with campaign speeches in Fukushima . The controversial former governor of Tokyo is perhaps best known outside the country for triggering a diplomatic spat with China over his move to buy disputed islands in the East China Sea . Polls show the Liberal Democrat Party is likely to return to power , led by Shinzo Abe . The opposition Democratic Party, which has been weakened by corruption scandals and a weak economy, will be unable to form an effective coalition government. Japan is struggling with economic contraction and the aftermath of last year 's nuclear disaster .
Japan 's 12-day election season begins with campaign speeches in Fukushima . Polls show the Liberal Democrat Party is likely to return to power , led by Shinzo Abe . The opposition Democratic Party, which has been weakened by corruption scandals and a weak economy, will be unable to form an effective coalition government. Japan is struggling with economic contraction and the aftermath of last year 's nuclear disaster .