Japan's press calls for new polls

Mr Abe rejected calls to resign but said he would revamp his Cabinet

Several leading daily newspapers in Japan have called for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to resign or to hold a new lower house election after his party's defeat in the upper house vote.

They say the result constituted a no-confidence vote in "Abe politics", and that only a fresh start will stabilise the situation.

However, two papers think Abe has an opportunity to learn lessons and remodel his government while working with the opposition.

Asahi Shimbun

The prime minister should take the result more seriously and resign gracefully... Politics will enter a turbulent age from now on. Both the ruling party and the opposition must find ways to reach agreement.

Mainichi Shimbun

This is a no-confidence vote in 'Abe politics'. We do not believe that Abe staying on is what the public want... He should dissolve the lower house at an early date to seek a new mandate.

Nihon Keizai Shimbun - Leading business daily

Abe needs to take the harsh judgment seriously and work at managing the government in a humble manner... But it is not desirable for the prime minister to change according to the result of every upper house election. The lower house should be dissolved soon to renew the public mandate in order to put an end to turmoil on the political scene.

Tokyo Shimbun

You [Abe] have not been baptised by a general election yet. We request that an election be held for the people to choose a government... This was an election to deliver a verdict on the government... Abe's influence will inevitably decline.

Yomiuri Shimbun - Largest daily

It is certain to have a major impact on Abe's political management... It could well alter the nation's political structure... Abe must take seriously the voters' judgment, and must work to rebuild the foundation of his administration and his party, all the while seeking ways to co-operate with the opposition.

Sankei Shimbun

The prime minister must take the defeat seriously. How will he draw a lesson from it and restore his administration? His leadership will be sorely tested... But the government and opposition should co-operate across party lines in passing bills that serve the interests of the nation... He must appoint capable people who can overcome difficulties.

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