Japan 's 12-day election campaign begins with campaign speeches in Tokyo . The Japanese government eventually stepped in to buy the islands from private owners , provoking a sharp rebuke from Beijing and anti-Japanese protests across China . Polls show the Liberal Democrat Party is likely to return to power , led by Shinzo Abe . Abe is a former prime minister who stepped down citing health reasons in 2010 . Japan is dealing with economic problems and the aftermath of last year 's nuclear disaster .
Japan 's 12-day election campaign begins with campaign speeches in Tokyo . Polls show the Liberal Democrat Party is likely to return to power , led by Shinzo Abe . Abe is a former prime minister who stepped down citing health reasons in 2010 . Japan is dealing with economic problems and the aftermath of last year 's nuclear disaster .