It's interesting to hear a comment about the strength of Japanese tradition. Often times one can see images of Japan that show its almost unique ability to absorb (without any Japanization) aspects of other cultures willingly and enthusiastically. For example, the Japanese script with numbers and letters from the a western alphabet interspersed the other day in class. But it also makes sense that if some institutions were rapidly changing, others would polarize, and become staunchly traditional.
In the past election, the biggest concern of voters according to exit polls were social issues. The Democratic party was relying on a large turnout from younger voters, who it thought would support, or at least not object to issues such as gay marriage and abortion. And to a large extent that group of the population made a strong showing. However, a large group of Evangelical Christians also turned out at the voting booths to counteract these votes and voted Republican. Had these issues not been at hand many of the conservatives would not have turned out to vote.
An Op-Ed in the New York Times I was recently reading, pointed out that by voting for the Republicans they are also voting to give tax breaks to the wealthy while further frustrating their own social and financial problems (which are trumped by social issues). The editor then predicted that these groups would come back even angrier at their financial situation in the next election. This part of the American population loves its history of Christianity (and its frowning on abortions and gay marriages. Thus by loving the past it cannot understand the present (and its financial problems).