Key Facts
• July 9: Kiyomi Tsujimoto delivered a speech in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
• Tsujimoto emphasized the Upper House election as a pivotal moment for Japan’s future.
• She supported Taiga Ishikawa, running for a second term in the proportional representation system.
• Ishikawa, openly gay, was first elected in 2019 after serving as a Toshima Ward councilor.
• Tsujimoto advocated for a Japan free from discrimination based on race, gender, or social status.
• She highlighted the importance of protecting all citizens, including critics of her politics.
• Ishikawa expressed concern over rising acceptance of discrimination and exclusionary rhetoric in Japan.
• Tsujimoto criticized discriminatory remarks in political spaces and called for inclusive governance.
• The election features 31 candidates from the Liberal Democratic Party and 22 from the Constitutional Democratic Party.
• Other parties fielded candidates as follows: Komeito (17), Japan Innovation Party (13), Japanese Communist Party (19), Democratic Party for the People (19), and others.
Summary
Kiyomi Tsujimoto, deputy leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, addressed a crowd in Shinjuku, Tokyo, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming Upper House election as a turning point for Japan. Supporting Taiga Ishikawa, an openly gay candidate seeking re-election, Tsujimoto called for a society free from discrimination and exclusion. She stressed the role of politics in protecting all citizens, including those critical of her. Ishikawa voiced concerns over the growing acceptance of discriminatory and exclusionary rhetoric in Japan, urging voters to reject such ideologies. The election sees participation from multiple parties, with the Liberal Democratic Party fielding the most candidates. Tsujimoto’s speech highlighted the need for inclusive governance and the protection of human rights.
