Factor of Voter Ideology during the Koizumi Administration Period

Abstract

Using panel data for the 2001-2005 Koizumi administration, this study performs panel analysis to determine the impact of voters’ self-image as conservative/ progressive ideologies on the “feeling thermometer” positions toward the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), respectively. Another panel analysis is performed to assess the impact of voters’ attitudes toward economic and defense issues, feelings of trust in politics, perceptions of the duty to vote, and other factors on self-image. There are four findings. First, conservatives and progressives have positive feelings toward the LDP and DPJ respectively. This situation is similar to the 1955 system in which the LDP and the progressive parties faced one another. Second, unlike the time of the 1955 system, the impact of attitudes toward issues on the self-image has decreased because the only impinging issue is in regards to subsidies for local governments. Third, advocating for small government relates to progressive self-image. It suggests that the voters who recognize the LDP administration as advocating big government reject old-style politics. Fourth, trust in politics creates conservative self-image and positive feelings toward the LDP, while distrust creates progressive self-images and positive feelings toward the DPJ.