Key Facts
• Upper House election voting scheduled for July 20, 2025.
• Niigata faces population decline: births fell below 10,000 in 2024, a record low.
• Niigata’s population dropped by over 200,000 in the last decade, now at 2.08 million.
• Four candidates are running: Harada Kiminaru (NHK Party), Hirai Eriko (Sanseitō), Nakamura Mai (LDP), and Uchikoshi Sakura (CDP).
• Hirai emphasizes economic recovery to address declining birth rates.
• Nakamura advocates creating jobs and making Niigata attractive for youth.
• Uchikoshi calls for equalizing urban and rural minimum wages.
• On nuclear power, Nakamura supports cautious reactivation, Uchikoshi opposes, and Hirai suggests eventual decommissioning.
• Selective marital surnames spark debate: Nakamura supports expanded use of maiden names, Hirai opposes, and Uchikoshi advocates for full implementation.
• Candidates’ hobbies: Uchikoshi enjoys solo karaoke, Nakamura collects shrine stamps, and Hirai relaxes with coffee.
Summary
Niigata’s Upper House election highlights critical issues like population decline, nuclear power, and selective marital surnames. The region’s population has dropped significantly, with births hitting a record low. Candidates propose solutions: Hirai focuses on economic recovery, Nakamura on job creation, and Uchikoshi on wage equality. Nuclear power reactivation divides opinions, with Nakamura cautiously supportive, Uchikoshi opposed, and Hirai advocating for eventual decommissioning. The selective marital surname debate also sees varied stances, reflecting broader societal discussions. As the election approaches, voters must weigh these issues carefully.
