Sixty-two percent of candidates running in the Oct. 31 House of Representatives election support the use of vaccination passports or certificates, significantly more than the 36% who oppose their usage, according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.
More than 90% of candidates from each of the two ruling parties -- the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito -- backed using vaccination passports.
By contrast, candidates from the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan were split on this issue, and more than 90% of Japanese Communist Party candidates opposed using such documents.
The use of vaccine passports is being considered as social and economic activity resumes following the recent plunge in new coronavirus infections across Japan. The display of such passports at dining and drinking establishments and event venues have been required during trials aimed at paving the way to easing restrictions on people's activities.
The survey was conducted from Oct. 1. Of the 1,051 candidates standing in the election, 982, or 93%, gave valid responses.
According to the survey, 94% of LDP candidates and 98% of Komeito candidates said such passports "should be used" or "probably should be used."
In the opposition camp, the 47% of CDPJ candidates who supported use of the passports were eclipsed by the 52% of party candidates who opposed their introduction. Candidates reluctant to adopt such passports apparently feared their use could disadvantage unvaccinated people and lead to discrimination against them.
When asked about establishing legislation that would restrict going out, including penalties for violators, in preparation for an expected "sixth wave" of infections, 45% of all candidates supported the idea and 53% were opposed. Breaking down these figures by political party, support for such legislation was strongest within Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), in which 94% of candidates cheered such a step. This view was shared by 67% of LDP and 63% of Democratic Party for the People candidates. However, 75% of Komeito candidates opposed this move, exposing a rift in the positions of the two ruling parties.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed wariness toward legislation pertaining to lockdowns, which impose tight restrictions on people's movements and the places they can go. During a plenary session of the lower house on Oct. 11, Kishida said strict lockdowns that include hefty penalties for breaking the rules, such as those implemented in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, were "incompatible" with Japan.
The survey also asked the candidates to list up to five key issues they wanted to bring up in the election. The most common issue was "coronavirus countermeasures," cited by 82% of respondents. This was followed by "economic and employment measures" (79%) and "reform of the social security system, including pensions and medical care" (48%).
The stress that candidates put on dealing with the virus and rebuilding the economy likely reflects the fact that Sunday's election will be the first large national election since the coronavirus pandemic broke out.
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