Japan set for general election

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) appears poised to oust the Democratic Party (DPJ) after only three years in office, with former PM Shinzo Abe likely to return to the top job.

Sales tax, nuclear energy and ties with China have all emerged as issues.

But many voters say they are undecided, amid widespread disillusionment in Japan over politics.

"All the candidates are speaking out ahead of the election, but I'm not so sure they'll carry out any of their promises," the Associated Press news agency quoted Hiroko Takahashi, 51, a resident of a Tokyo suburb, as saying.

"I'm hopeful about the new parties, but I also wonder if I should trust one of the older parties."

The DPJ swept to power in 2009, ending more than 50 years of almost unbroken rule by the conservative LDP.

The party promised more welfare spending and a better social safety net, but struggled to deliver amid the economic downturn and 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

It has also seen multiple leadership changes - Yoshihiko Noda is the third DPJ prime minister since 2009.

He lost public support over the move to double sales tax, something he said was necessary to tackle Japan's massive debt.

The debate over nuclear energy, restarting suspended reactors and his perceived flip-flopping on the issue has also affected his popularity.

Shinzo Abe, the man opinion polls suggest will be Japan's next leader, served as prime minister from 2006-2007 before stepping aside amid plummeting support figures, citing illness.

He and his party say nuclear energy has a role to play in resource-poor Japan's future. Abe has also called for a tough stance on the territorial row with China over East China Sea islands that both countries claim.

New parties - such as the tie-up between the Tokyo and Osaka leaders - are attracting attention

The row - which has seen diplomatic ties chill and sparked protests in some Chinese cities - appeared to escalate on Thursday when an aircraft flying near the islands made what Japan said was the first violation of its airspace by a Chinese government plane since records began in 1958.

Latest figures indicate that the LDP will win the most seats in the elections, together with traditional ally New Komeito Party. A poll by the Asahi newspaper on Friday suggested that the two-party coalition could be on course to secure a two-thirds majority in the chamber.

Another party in the mix is the right-wing Japan Restoration Party, led by two high-profile populist leaders, controversial right-wing former Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara and Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto.

Ishihara - whose plan to buy the disputed East China Sea islands using Tokyo government funds reignited the territorial row - wants Japan to take a more muscular stance on the issue. But support for the party waned somewhat amid ambiguity over its nuclear policy.

Another new party, led by Shiga governor Yukiko Kada, wants to phase out nuclear power in a decade. Former DPJ heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa has thrown his support behind this party.

All 480 lower house seats are up for grabs in the election.