The summit that Prime Minister Abe planned will take place 10 months. Who will attend in his place? Will there be a snap election? Hokkaido is also getting busy as speculation runs wild.

Iburi Subprefecture’s Toyako Town is the venue where next July’s summit will take place.
Prime Minister Abe was the one who decided the summit should take place in Hokkaido.

[Mayor of Toyako Town, Yoshio Nagasaki, Interview]
“I believe Prime Minister Abe had a great determination towards next year’s summit.? It’s such a shame he won’t be able to attend it.”

Even in this souvenir shop containing popular "Toyako Summit" merchandise, there is a feeling of confusion regarding the Prime Minister's sudden resignation.

[Interview with the souvenir shop owner]
“I think that it would be better if the person who decided on the summit attend it. I really wanted Prime Minister Abe gaze out at Lake Toyako from the venue as he spoke in the conference.”

[Interview with 2 visitors to the area]
“I believe that the decision to have the venue at Toyako was a good one.? Since it was his decision, it would’ve been nice if he, as the host, would’ve seen it through to the end.”
“If he was going to resign, I think that resigning after the loss in the Upper House elections would have been a better closure.? Resigning midway was...I think it was regrettable.”

With the Prime Minister's resignation, people are beginning to worry about the timing of a snap election.

[Interview with the chief secretary of the Federation of Hokkaido Liberal Democratic Party Branches, Kimiatsu Maruiwa]
“If at all possible, I hope there will not be a breakup of the Lower House before the summit.? As can be expected, we are already all a little tired of elections this year.”

These people are also experiencing increased activity.

[Interview with Muneo Suzuki, Representative for the New Party DAICHI]
“Even within the Democratic Party, there are contrasts between Diet members There were some that supported me in the Upper House Election, and those who wouldn’t even hold a mic for me.? There are also opinions in the LDP of wanting to have good relations with us. ?There are varying opinions depending on the political district.”

[Interview with Seiji Osaka, Assistant Representative for the Democratic Party of Japan, Hokkaido]
“Normally, if the ruling government party loses the ability to do their job, like one now, then an ‘electoral commission’ should be created and a snap election held.? I believe this is the right way to go.”

The LDP and Democratic Party are both expected to accelerate their efforts in candidate selection in the districts without candidates.? Here in Hokkaido as well, there is a sudden rush in political movement.