What to expect from the autumn Diet session

The autumn Diet session is the first in which Prime Minister Abe’s coalition has a majority in both houses of the legislature and it will provide an important test of his ability to push through reform. The government should spell out details of planned stimulus measures in coming weeks. It also hopes to pass legislation establishing special zones to trial new policies, and to take the first steps towards full liberalisation of the electricity market. The latter move could fundamentally change the sector’s shape and drastically reduce prices. However, some other important reforms are not on the agenda.