The leaders of Japan's ruling and opposition parties take part in a public debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Oct. 18, 2021, ahead of the Oct. 31 general election. (Kyodo)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The following is a list of major events leading up to the general election on Oct. 31.

       Dec. 16, 2012 -- The Liberal Democratic Party returns to power after three years in opposition with an overwhelming victory in the general election for the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament.

       Dec. 26 -- Shinzo Abe becomes prime minister for second time, forms Cabinet.

       July 21, 2013 -- The LDP-led ruling coalition takes back control of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber, ending the so-called divided parliament.

       April 1, 2014 -- Japan's consumption tax is raised from 5 percent to 8 percent.

       Dec. 14 -- The LDP and Komeito retain two-thirds majority in lower house in general election.

       Sept. 19, 2015 -- Parliament enacts controversial legislation expanding the scope of the Self-Defense Forces' operations abroad.

       July 10, 2016 -- The ruling coalition wins majority of contested seats in upper house election and secures two-thirds of seats with lawmakers supportive of amending the Constitution.

       Oct. 22, 2017 -- The LDP and Komeito maintain two-thirds majority in lower house in general election.

       July 21, 2019 -- The ruling coalition wins majority of contested seats in upper house election but fails to retain the two-thirds of seats needed to propose amending the Constitution.

       Oct. 1 -- After twice being postponed, Japan's consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent from 8 percent.

       April 7, 2020 -- Abe declares state of emergency in seven prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka amid rising COVID-19 cases.

       Aug. 28 -- Abe, now Japan's longest-serving prime minister, announces resignation due to health issue.

       Sept. 16 -- Yoshihide Suga becomes prime minister, forms Cabinet.

       July 23-Aug. 8, 2021 -- Tokyo Olympics held following one-year postponement.

       Sept. 3 -- Suga announces resignation amid criticism over COVID-19 response.

       Oct. 4 -- Fumio Kishida becomes prime minister, forms Cabinet.

       Oct. 14 -- Kishida dissolves lower house for general election on Oct. 31.

       Oct. 18 -- Campaigning for general election starts.

       Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0