Japan ruling party candidates win four of five by-elections - NHK

FILE PHOTO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks about his parent policy at a press conference at his official residence in Tokyo on March 17, 2023. YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Candidates of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ruling party won four of five parliamentary seats up for grabs on Sunday, domestic media said, in what is likely to be seen as a sign of growing support for the premier.

Analysts said the focus would now turn to whether Kishida might take advantage of the momentum by dissolving the lower house of parliament and calling a snap election.