Storyline: Amid multiple unresolved issues, the future of Japan's ruling coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito is shrouded in uncertainty, according to a political science scholar in Tokyo. The election campaign for Japan's House of Councilors, or the upper house of the Diet, was officially launched on Thursday. Voting is scheduled for July 20. In last year's House of Representatives election, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito failed to secure a majority of seats. Experts and scholars in Japan have held the view that the Ishiba cabinet is facing several challenges, and the election may pose a severe test. Shiratori said that the prices of rice and other commodities are also a key concern for various parties. Regarding the U.S. tariff policy this year, the Japanese government has sent high-ranking officials to the U.S. multiple times for negotiations, but so far, no meaningful results have come from these discussions. Shiratori said that the resolution of the tariff issue could also influence the outcome of the upper house election. Shotlist: FILE: Tokyo, Japan - Date Unknown: 1. Various of Japan's National Diet building, Japanese national flag Tokyo, Japan - July 3, 2025: 2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Hiroshi Shiratori, political science professor, Hosei University: "At present, it seems that the political funds scandal, which concluded last year, has once again become a focus. The public is once again concerned about the 'politics and money' issues within the Liberal Democratic Party." Tokyo, Japan - Recent: 3. Rice shop 4. Various of signs showing rice brands, prices 5. Rice in bag Tokyo, Japan - July 3, 2025: 6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Hiroshi Shiratori, political science professor, Hosei University (partially overlaid with shot 7): "The price of rice has doubled in the past year, raising questions about the governing ability of the Liberal Democratic Party among the Japanese public. On the other hand, if low-priced rice from abroad enters Japan, it could create concerns for Japanese rice producers and agricultural associations regarding the Liberal Democratic Party." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] Japan - Recent: 7. Various of bagged rice in store, clerk at work [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Tokyo, Japan - 2024: 8. Aerial shots of cityscape, traffic Tokyo, Japan - July 3, 2025: 9. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Hiroshi Shiratori, political science professor, Hosei University: "During the senate elections, on July 9 or 10, the United States may once again implement 'reciprocal tariffs.' To the Japanese public, it appears that the government is seeking help from the U.S. almost every week without any results. This can easily lead people to believe that they cannot entrust the country to Ishiba's cabinet." FILE: Tokyo, Japan - Date Unknown: 10. Various of street views; traffic; pedestrians. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]