Key Facts
• June 22, 2025: Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election held.
• Reiwa Shinsengumi fielded candidates in Setagaya (8 seats), Nerima (7 seats), and Suginami (6 seats).
• All three candidates failed to win, leaving the party without its first assembly seat.
• Party leader Taro Yamamoto made surprise appearances during campaign speeches.
• Campaign strategy aimed to attract new audiences by avoiding prior announcements of Yamamoto’s presence.
• Yamamoto emphasized opposition to tax increases and potential for budget reforms.
• Co-leader Mari Kushibuchi cited short campaign period and entrenched vested interests as challenges.
• Kushibuchi reaffirmed commitment to July’s House of Councillors election.
• Reiwa Shinsengumi has 14 national lawmakers after six years since its founding.
Summary
Reiwa Shinsengumi, led by Taro Yamamoto, failed to secure its first seat in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election held on June 22, 2025. Despite fielding candidates in Setagaya, Nerima, and Suginami wards, none were elected. The party employed a campaign strategy featuring surprise appearances by Yamamoto to engage new audiences. However, co-leader Mari Kushibuchi attributed the loss to a short campaign period and resistance from entrenched interests. Yamamoto highlighted the need for budget reforms and opposition to tax increases during his speeches. The party remains focused on the upcoming House of Councillors election in July, aiming to expand its influence and secure greater public support.
