Key Facts
• July 5 marked the first weekend after the Upper House election announcement.
• Tochigi constituency candidates actively campaigned across the region to gather support.
• Norinori Omori (54), a new candidate from the Sanseitō Party, held street speeches in Utsunomiya and northern areas, live-streaming them online.
• Omori noted increasing online viewership and claimed support from youth, seniors, and conservative voters.
• Yuka Itazu (37), a new candidate from the Constitutional Democratic Party, focused on southern areas, delivering a speech at JR Oyama Station at 7 PM.
• Former Secretary-General Katsuyuki Okada supported Itazu, urging vigilance in the remaining two weeks.
• Incumbent Katsunori Takahashi (67) from the Liberal Democratic Party campaigned in Nikko, emphasizing responsible fiscal policies.
• Takahashi’s team expressed concern over mixed polling results and encouraged early voting.
• Michio Fukuda (66), a new candidate from the Communist Party, campaigned in Sano and Ashikaga, advocating for a 5% consumption tax reduction and higher medical wages.
• Tetsuya Shiokawa, Communist Party official, supported Fukuda, calling for policies to counter inflation and reduce ruling party dominance.
Summary
On July 5, candidates in Tochigi’s Upper House election constituency intensified their campaigns during the first weekend after the election announcement. Norinori Omori from the Sanseitō Party utilized online platforms to expand his reach, while Yuka Itazu of the Constitutional Democratic Party received support from Katsuyuki Okada, emphasizing the need for continued effort. Incumbent Katsunori Takahashi of the Liberal Democratic Party highlighted fiscal responsibility amidst mixed polling results. Communist Party candidate Michio Fukuda focused on tax reduction and wage increases, supported by Tetsuya Shiokawa. The election battle is heating up as candidates strive to secure votes in the coming weeks.
