J.THE APAN DECISION The coalition failed to secure a majority in parliament in October 27 lower house elections for the first time since 2009. The stunning rebuke to the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (PDL) reflects voters’ frustration with recent political scandals and the rising cost of living. The results constitute a “harsh judgment” of the PDLsaid Ishiba Shigeru, who took over as party leader and prime minister earlier this month. “We must think from the bottom of our hearts and transform ourselves. »