Key Facts
• Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election began on June 13, voting on June 22.
• Six candidates linked to LDP slush fund scandal are running as ‘unofficial.’
• Masahiko Miyake, a four-term assembly member, implicated in a ¥3.32 million slush fund.
• Miyake apologized for the scandal during his first campaign speech in Izu Oshima.
• Around 500 supporters attended his speech, according to his support group.
• Miyake’s speech lasted 8 minutes, with only 1 minute addressing the scandal.
• He did not provide details on the slush fund’s origins or usage.
• Majority of his speech focused on renewable energy and local development plans.
• Local leaders, including Oshima Town Mayor Choichi Sakagami, showed support.
• A 74-year-old supporter emphasized Miyake’s experience in addressing island issues.
• Competing candidates include Sho Ito (Democratic Party for the People) and Mitsutaka Okumura (local party ‘Path of Renewal’).
Summary
The Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election has drawn attention to six ‘unofficial’ candidates linked to the LDP slush fund scandal. Among them, Masahiko Miyake, representing the island district, apologized for his involvement in a ¥3.32 million slush fund during his first campaign speech. Despite his apology, he only briefly addressed the issue, dedicating most of his speech to renewable energy and local development. Miyake, a four-term assembly member, received support from local leaders and residents, who highlighted his experience in tackling island-specific challenges. Competing candidates include Sho Ito and Mitsutaka Okumura, representing other political groups.
