Key Facts
• July 20, 2025: Niigata Prefecture election includes four candidates, including incumbent Sakura Uchikoshi.
• Uchikoshi, born in 1968, holds degrees from the University of Tokyo and became a lawyer in 2000.
• Elected in 2019, Uchikoshi defeated LDP’s Ichiro Tsukada in Niigata’s Upper House election.
• Advocates for selective marital surnames, a cause she has pursued since 2012.
• First selective marital surname lawsuit (2012–2015): Uchikoshi served as legal team secretary-general.
• 2025: Law proposal for selective marital surnames delayed after 30 years of discussion.
• Uchikoshi criticizes opposition to the law, citing its impact on legal marriages.
• CDP proposes tax cuts, including zero tax on food for one year and gasoline tax abolition.
• Uchikoshi accuses the ruling party of breaking promises on tax reforms and misusing public funds.
• Criticizes Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi for prioritizing economic leaders over farmers.
• Calls for expanded income support for farmers and questions reliance on rice export policies.
Summary
Sakura Uchikoshi, a Constitutional Democratic Party candidate in Niigata’s Upper House election, emphasizes her commitment to selective marital surnames, tax reforms, and farmer support. With a legal background and a history of addressing social issues, Uchikoshi criticizes the ruling party’s handling of rice market policies and tax reforms. She highlights the 30-year delay in implementing selective marital surnames, arguing it hinders legal marriages. Uchikoshi also advocates for tax cuts, including zero tax on food and gasoline tax abolition, while accusing the government of misusing public funds. Additionally, she questions Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s focus on economic leaders over farmers, calling for better income support and sustainable agricultural policies.
