The election was triggered following a vote of no confidence brought by the Japan Socialist Party (JSP) on 16 May 1980 regarding corruption and rises in public utility charges as reasons for the House of Representatives of Japan (lower house) to withdraw its backing from the LDP government.

Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party died during the campaign.

Ōhira had expected the vote of no confidence to fail, and was visibly shaken when it passed by a margin of 243–187.

Given the choice of resigning or calling new elections, Ōhira chose the latter and began campaigning for LDP candidates.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Masayoshi Ito became acting prime minister after Ōhira's death.