Leaders of political parties in Japan are set to begin campaigning ahead of elections on December 16. The ruling Democratic Party of Japan, led by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, and the Liberal Democratic Party, led by Shinzo Abe, will begin campaigning in Fukushima Prefecture.

Nuclear power policies and earthquake reconstruction efforts are set to be the key topics in the hard-hit Prefecture.

Yoshihiko Noda will make his first speech in Iwaki. In its election platform, the DPJ has said the reconstruction of Fukushima was paramount to the regeneration of Japan. Shinzo Abe, who criticized the DPJ's reconstruction efforts, has chosen Fukushima City as his first stop.

Other political parties will also start their campaign in Fukushima Prefecture. Hot topics include Japan's participation in a Trans-Pacific Trade bloc, changing tariffs system, and the disabling of nuclear facilities.

Some Japanese citizens said it was hard to make a decision due to the differences on various policies.

One Tokyo resident said, "So many political parties with so many different election platforms will join the election. I will have think over who I should vote for."

Another Tokyo resident said, "The DPJ's regime will come to an end, and some political parties propose to disable nuclear facilities. I look forward to the new policies made by the new government."

Less than two weeks from the general election, the latest opinion polls show the LDP still leads, while the DPJ has risen slightly and stands second in the ratings.