Who will win the Japanese general election

When in doubt, ask the audience. Yes, Our Man is a bit stumped, and he needs a little advice. Sure, Our Man markets himself as something of an authority on Japanese politics, but actually, as the soberer readers will appreciate, he knows veeeeeeeery little about the subject, just finds it marginally more interesting than Japanese telly. Now, Our Man confesses, this coming election will be the first in Japan that he has ever paid even the slightest attention to, so, he doesn't know what to expect. Here are some scenarios he's cobbled together from reading the first sentence or two from posts at Observing Japan every now and again and the headlines on Page 2 (the boringest one) of the Japan Times:

1. The dark side (LDP) will run screaming to the hills as the DPJ feels the force and takes over the reins of power, marking a new beginning for truth, justice and the Abikan way.

2. The DPJ will power share (bit like power walking for seniors at the mall) with the Japan Lawn Croquet Party holding the balance of power.

3. The Japan Communist Party will sneak in, opening a new era in tourism opportunities to North Korea.

4. The LDP will sneak in thanks to a) voter confusion, b) Fear of Nork attack c) opposition nincompoopery and d) Bribery on a scale not seen before.

Our Man's plumping for option 4, but what do you think, folks?

Pic lifted from here.