Key Facts
With less than three months remaining until the expiration of the current term for members of Japan’s House of Councillors, candidates for the upcoming summer election are seizing every opportunity to connect with voters. The recent extended holiday period served as a critical moment for candidates to intensify their campaigns and expand their support bases.
Rikken Minshutō (Constitutional Democratic Party) Candidate: Sakuyo Uchikoshi
On May 5, Sakuyo Uchikoshi, an incumbent member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, was seen working in a rice field in Niigata City. Struggling with the unfamiliar task of planting rice, Uchikoshi used the experience to highlight the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in light of rising production costs and the impact of U.S. tariffs. She emphasized the need for policies to protect agriculture, including an upgraded individual income compensation system to support rural communities.
“I’ve heard about the difficulties caused by rising costs of production materials. We need to strengthen rural community support,” Uchikoshi stated.
Originally from Hokkaido and lacking local ties in Niigata, Uchikoshi won her first election with the backing of opposition parties. This time, running as an official candidate of the Constitutional Democratic Party, she is focusing on building her recognition across the prefecture.
“I am committed to addressing the concerns of those who feel left behind by politics,” she said, adding that opposition party collaboration remains strong despite changes in her campaign structure.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Candidate: Mai Nakamura
Former Olympic swimmer Mai Nakamura, representing the Liberal Democratic Party, also utilized the holiday to engage with voters. Nakamura participated in public events, including a beach sports activity in Niigata City, where she showcased her energy and enthusiasm.
“I want to bring the voices of women and youth to the national stage,” Nakamura said during a street speech.
As a first-time candidate, Nakamura is relying on the support of local LDP officials to navigate the campaign. Despite challenges posed by recent political scandals, she expressed her determination to bring fresh perspectives to the party.
“Even in the face of criticism, I believe the LDP must change, and I aim to bring new energy to achieve that,” she remarked.
Sanseitō (Sanseito Party) Candidate: Eriko Hirai
Eriko Hirai, running for the Sanseito Party, focused her efforts on Niigata City’s populous areas. She criticized the acceptance of rising costs and taxes as inevitable, urging voters to believe in change.
“More people are acknowledging our message, and I feel our ideas are resonating,” Hirai noted.
As the election approaches, all candidates are working tirelessly to secure voter support.
With less than three months until the current term for Japan’s House of Councillors ends, candidates are intensifying their campaigns during the extended holiday period to connect with voters.
Constitutional Democratic Party Candidate: Sakuyo Uchikoshi
On May 5, Sakuyo Uchikoshi, an incumbent from the Constitutional Democratic Party, participated in rice planting in Niigata City. She highlighted the struggles of farmers facing rising production costs and U.S. tariffs, advocating for stronger agricultural policies and enhanced income compensation systems.
“We need to strengthen rural community support,” Uchikoshi stated.
Originally from Hokkaido, Uchikoshi is working to increase her recognition in Niigata, emphasizing her commitment to addressing political neglect.
Liberal Democratic Party Candidate: Mai Nakamura
Former Olympic swimmer Mai Nakamura, representing the Liberal Democratic Party, engaged with voters through public events, including a beach sports activity. She aims to amplify the voices of women and youth in politics.
“I want to bring new energy to the LDP,” Nakamura remarked, addressing challenges from recent political scandals.
Sanseito Party Candidate: Eriko Hirai
Eriko Hirai, running for the Sanseito Party, focused on populous areas in Niigata City, urging voters to reject rising costs and taxes as inevitable.
“Our ideas are resonating,” Hirai noted.
All candidates are leveraging every opportunity to secure voter support ahead of the summer election.
