Japan goes to the polls this weekend.

Live from the UK, this is the Marketplace Morning Report from the BBC World Service.

I'm Guy Kilty. Good morning.

Japanese voters will give their verdict on the government of Sanai Takaiichi this weekend.

Japan's first female Prime Minister called a snap election just months into her term.

With the rise in the cost of living front of mind for many voters,

Phoebe Amaroso looks at how the economy is shaping this campaign

and what people want from their next government.

Here in Tokyo, the streets are bustling with weekend shoppers,

but people are streaming past both sales advertisements and political campaigners.

Prime Minister Saniai Takeichi has called a snap election just three months into her term,

asking the public for a clear mandate on her leadership.

For many here, the economy is a key issue, as the cost of living continues to rise.

I asked people for their thoughts.

People are suffering greatly from the rise in prices. Low-income earners are suffering even more from the rising prices,

and I'm not sure how the government will respond.

They say they're providing a lot of subsidies,

but it's still not trickling down to the lower classes.

Prices are definitely rising,

but it also feels like people are just generally more depressed.

Things don't feel very hopeful lately.

With the upcoming election, is there anything you'd like the next government to do?

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