I thought the Japanese people would vote differently. I'm very disappointed.

MEET THE PANEL Name: Maki Ishiwata Age: 39 Lives: Memuro, Hokkaido Works: In a non-profit organisation Voted: Communist party

Clearly people think that postal reform is necessary and important.

Because of this election result the reform of the postal system is guaranteed and I have a feeling that our other problems will not be addressed.

I think the voters have ignored them.

Koizumi is a great performer but people should not simply be influenced by appearances. They should form their own political opinions.

And the "assassins" plot worked very well as they succeeded in unseating the rebels who voted against postal reform.

I feel that Japan is getting more and more right wing: the government is inclining to the right, people keep voting for them. If we lose political balance in this country there might be another war in the future.

Such things really worry me.

Many people believe there are more important issues in this country, like pensions and tax. Considering such issues I don't know why privatising the post office is so important.

I hope the person who succeeds Koizumi cares about the real issues that Japan is facing.