With a lower house election scheduled for October 31, both the ruling and opposition parties are appealing to voters with their income redistribution and expansionary fiscal measures. The manifestos of both call for “a mix of policies for times of emergency (amid the coronavirus crisis) and for ordinary times,” Research Director Shigeki Morinobu, told Jiji Press.

“In ordinary times, the government should draw a path to eliminating anxiety about the future through redistribution funded with stable resources,” Morinobu said. “What's going on right now is a race for redistribution without funding.”

“Ruling and Opposition Blocs Appeal for Votes with Income Redistribution Plans,” Japan Times
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/10/20/business/ruling-opposition-redistribution-election-japan/

Profile of Research Director Shigeki Morinobu
https://www.tkfd.or.jp/en/experts/detail.php?id=8