Japan's 51st House of Representatives election was officially announced on January 27, 2026, launching a 12-day campaign period that will conclude with voting on February 8. For foreign residents living in Japan, understanding this electoral process offers valuable insight into the country's political landscape and governance, even though most expats cannot participate directly in national elections. According to NHK, approximately 1,280 candidates are competing for 465 seats across single-member districts and proportional representation blocks. This election marks a significant political realignment, with the government framework having changed and new parties formed, creating what observers describe as a dramatically altered landscape between ruling and opposition forces. The central question facing voters is whether the ruling coalition under Prime Minister Takaichi will secure a majority to continue governing, or whether opposition parties will gain ground sufficient to challenge the current administration. NHK's latest polling shows the Takaichi cabinet maintains 59% support, though this represents a three-point decline from two weeks earlier, while disapproval rose five points to 26%. Key policy debates dominating the campaign include responses to rising living costs, with particular focus on consumption tax policy. Party leaders participated in a Japan National Press Club debate ahead of the official announcement, where they outlined their governing visions, political positions, and competing approaches to inflation relief measures that directly affect residents' daily expenses. The government has allocated 85.5 billion yen from the current fiscal year's reserve funds to cover election expenses, according to NHK. These funds will support voting operations, election law enforcement, and overseas voting procedures for Japanese citizens abroad. Foreign permanent residents should note that while they cannot vote in national elections, understanding the electoral process remains relevant for several reasons. Election outcomes influence policies affecting all residents, including taxation, social services, immigration regulations, and economic measures. Additionally, permanent residents with special permanent resident status can vote in some local elections, making familiarity with Japanese voting procedures valuable. For those eligible to vote in local elections or who may gain citizenship in the future, NHK has published comprehensive guides explaining voting procedures. The process involves receiving a voting notification postcard, presenting it at designated polling stations, and casting ballots for both single-member district candidates and proportional representation party lists. Early voting is available for those unable to vote on election day, offering flexibility for work or travel commitments. Simultaneously with the House election, a Supreme Court Justice review is being conducted. This unique constitutional mechanism allows citizens to evaluate two justices appointed since the last lower house election. Voters can mark an X next to names of justices they wish to remove, though historically, no justice has ever been dismissed through this process. NHK is providing real-time election coverage through its news and disaster prevention app, including candidate information by district, policy platforms, exit poll results, and vote counting updates. This digital access makes following the election convenient for foreign residents seeking to understand political developments. Interestingly, some municipalities are implementing cost-saving measures. In Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, officials rapidly repurposed poster display boards from a recent mayoral election for House of Representatives use, demonstrating practical approaches to managing election infrastructure expenses. For expats, this election represents an opportunity to observe Japanese democracy in action and understand the political forces shaping policies that affect daily life. While direct participation may be limited, staying informed about electoral outcomes and policy debates helps foreign residents better navigate their lives in Japan and anticipate potential changes in regulations, economic policy, and social programs that impact the expatriate community.