But Japan's economic turmoil is having its impact even in rural areas long under LDP domination. Small farmers and rural businesses have all been hit. Demand for highly protected agricultural products has slumped as consumers can no longer afford to pay for prices three, four or five times above the international market. Around 40 agricultural co-operatives have been shut down or merged. Aomori is heavily dependent on public works spending which constitutes 30 percent of the local economy.
Unemployment is high with three job seekers for every advertised job.
About 20 percent of the population is over 65. Many of the elderly are concerned over government decisions to put up the cost of medical health insurance and cut government subsidies. Others are on long waiting lists for homes for the aged. Aomori used to be known as the LDP kingdom. For 50 years the region invariably returned LDP MPs who would ensure the flow of public works funds back to the electorate.