An analysis by Jiji Press shows that consumption tax and rising prices were the most frequently mentioned policy issues on social media ahead of the House of Representatives election. The study examined around 330,000 posts on X over a 17-day period starting January 9. Political parties are closely monitoring these social media trends.
Ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election, consumption tax and rising prices emerged as the most frequently discussed issues on social media. Jiji Press analyzed posts on X using the social media analytics tool Brandwatch, covering the period from January 9—when the possibility of a snap election for the lower house was first reported—to Sunday. This resulted in about 330,000 mentions of these topics.
Political parties are paying close attention to these social media trends, given that online public opinion influenced the debate in last year's House of Councillors election. Key terms include the 2026 Lower House election, social media, consumption tax, taxes, inflation, and the Japanese economy.
Such analysis provides a vital gauge of voter concerns in the lead-up to the vote.
