In the recent Japanese general elections held on the 8th, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured an unprecedented 316 seats, marking the highest number for the party since its inception. In stark contrast, the newly established centrist reform coalition suffered a significant defeat, failing to win even a third of the seats prior to the election. The day after the election, candidates expressed contrasting emotions as they addressed their supporters in public spaces, reflecting the electoral outcomes.

For candidates like Kanako Otsuji, who lost in Osaka's 10th district, the atmosphere was filled with disappointment. Standing in front of Takatsuki Station, she thanked her supporters while apologizing for not winning. Her response, filled with gratitude yet tinged with regret, revealed the challenges faced by the centrist candidates who were unable to resonate with the electorate amid the LDP's sweeping victory.

The results have sparked discussions about the future of the centrist coalition, which had hoped to capitalize on recent political trends. With a drastic reduction in representation, leading figures within the coalition are now in a state of panic and are contemplating strategies for a comeback in the upcoming elections scheduled for early 2026. This electoral outcome reflects the broader public sentiment towards political parties in Japan and may lead to significant shifts in future political strategies and alignments.