On Tuesday, June 21, 2016, the Sejong Institute held this year's 17th Colloquium on the subject of "Expectations on Japan's 24th Regular Election of the House of Councillors." The Director of Diplomatic Strategy Studies Department, Dr. Myon woo Lee presented his research findings on the key points and issues surrounding the Japanese House of Councillors' Election scheduled to be held this July. As for the key variables for this election, Dr. Lee suggested that the level of public support for the current Abe government, party identification and loyalty, and issue saliency and its impact on the undecided and swing voters will be crucial. Dr. Lee further noted that even if the Liberal Democratic Party wins the simple majority, a coalition government will continue to maintain its power. However, if Prime Minister Abe continues to serve the post, his policy of making Japan a "normal" state may present barriers and serve as a source of historical conflicts in the future ROK-Japan relations. The Colloquium was moderated by Vice President Sang Hyun Lee of the Research Planning Division and attended by Chairman Joon-woo Park, President Chang Soo Jin, and other research fellows at the institute. The participants had an opportunity to engage in active discussions about the interplay of domestic and international politics, particular characteristics of Japanese politics, and the future relationship between ROK and Japan.