J.APAN’S DECISION The coalition failed to gain a majority in parliament for the first time since 2009 in the lower house elections held on 27 October. This stunning rebuke to the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) reflects voters’ frustration with recent political scandals and the rising cost of living. The results are a “grave decision” by the court LDPsaid Ishiba Shigeru. Took over as party leader and prime minister earlier this month. “We must think from the bottom of our hearts and transform.”