Yomiuri wrote that calls are mounting among some LDP Diet members for PM Abe to hold a double election in July in view of steady public support probably on account of the administration’s swift response to the Kumamoto earthquakes and President Obama’s decision to visit Hiroshima. These legislators are strongly hoping that the premier will decide to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to coincide with the Upper House race given that the prime minister’s popularity may increase further following the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. Noting that some GOJ and LDP officials, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, are still cautious about holding a double election, the article said the prime minister will make a final decision right after the summit on whether to dissolve the lower chamber while carefully gauging public response.

Asahi carried a similar story, noting that although the DP, the JCP, and two other opposition parties decided yesterday to submit to the Lower House in the near future a no-confidence motion against PM Abe, they are also wary that this move may prompt the premier to dissolve the Lower House for a double election.