Tokyo Governor Election: Beyond the 'Women's Showdown', a New Candidate Rises on SNS... Focus on 'Real' Reactions

A wave of change is sweeping through the Tokyo gubernatorial election, scheduled for July 7th. Incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike (71) enjoys the support of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, while Senator Renho (56) is backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and the Japanese Communist Party (JCP). However, the 'ruling vs. opposition' dynamic has been disrupted as the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and United Tokyo are expected to endorse Governor Koike. Adding to the mix, Shinji Ishimaru (41), the former mayor of Aki-Takada City in Hiroshima Prefecture, who enjoys widespread support on social media, launched his first campaign rally in Tokyo on the 15th.

This election is not merely a 'battle of women'. On July 12th, Ishimaru Shinji announced during a live broadcast, "I'm coming to Tokyo to begin my political activities in earnest." He also mentioned the fervent enthusiasm of his volunteers. As of the 15th, his official YouTube channel boasts 110,000 subscribers, and a 30-second video he uploaded has garnered 500,000 views. A video interview that Yukan Fuji conducted with Ishimaru Shinji has also received over 300,000 views as of the morning of the 15th, indicating a significant online response.

During her regular press conference on the 14th at 2 PM, Governor Koike identified childcare and nursing care, issues directly impacting people's lives, as key issues in the gubernatorial election, stating, "In light of recent disasters and the current international situation, the most crucial question is how to protect Tokyo's citizens." She plans to announce her policy proposals on the 18th. At the same time, Senator Renho held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan, highlighting the issue of redevelopment of the Meiji Jingu Gaien as a crucial point for the gubernatorial election. Senator Renho emphasized, "Many Tokyo residents are voicing their opposition. I want to ask if this development, which involves eliminating green spaces in Tokyo, is truly necessary."

While Renho's camp aims to create a 'ruling vs. opposition' narrative, United Tokyo has decided to endorse Governor Koike, similar to the previous gubernatorial election, with a formal decision anticipated at the executive committee meeting on the 19th. The DPP, which receives support from United Tokyo, is expected to finalize its position next week. However, Kazuya Shinba, the secretary-general known for being a professional wrestling fan, likened Governor Koike to Giant Baba during a press conference on the 14th, praising her as "the royal road." Yoshihiko Noda, former Prime Minister and member of the CDP, advised the party to be cautious about its relationship with the JCP during a TBS CS broadcast on the 14th. He said, "The LDP emphasizes that Senator Renho is strengthening her innovative image. We should talk about the future and confidently compete, so that she doesn't appear to be doing so."

Ishimaru Shinji, whose entry into the race between the two women is attracting significant attention, announced on his campaign X (formerly Twitter) that he will hold his first street speech in front of Shibuya Station on the 15th. It remains to be seen how the 'real' public reaction in Tokyo will unfold.