Japan's ruling LDP secures sole majority in lower house election

TOKYO -- Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a sole majority in the lower house of parliament in Sunday's general election, despite losing a sizable number of seats including several high-profile former cabinet ministers.

Despite the LDP's worst showing since 2009, the party and junior coalition partner Komeito maintained a comfortable majority. The victory puts Prime Minister Fumio Kishida clear of the low target he set for the ruling camp of winning a simple majority.