Key Facts
• Hirota Hajime, 56, is an independent candidate with 1 term in the House of Representatives and 3 terms in the House of Councillors.
• On July 5, Hirota began his campaign in Kochi, visiting five cities and villages in the eastern region.
• In 2023, Hirota won a by-election as an independent, defeating a ruling party candidate by over 90,000 votes.
• Supported by opposition parties at the prefectural level, including Constitutional Democratic, Democratic Party for the People, and Communist Party.
• Advocates for gasoline tax cuts and pension reforms, proposing a $1,000 annual increase in basic pensions.
• Criticized the Ishiba administration’s $200 cash handout as “electioneering.”
• On July 10, shifted campaign focus to Tokushima, addressing rural and aging population concerns.
• Personally visited all 400 local councilors in Tokushima to understand regional issues.
• Calls for ending the ruling party’s dominance and creating a “fair society.”
• Campaign slogan emphasizes progress over regression in politics.
Summary
Hirota Hajime, an independent candidate in the Tokushima-Kochi electoral district, is campaigning for his fourth term in the House of Councillors. Known for his grassroots approach, Hirota emphasizes addressing rising living costs, advocating for gasoline tax cuts, and increasing basic pensions. His campaign highlights include defeating a ruling party candidate in 2023 by over 90,000 votes and gaining support from opposition parties. Hirota’s strategy involves direct engagement with voters, including visits to rural areas and local councilors. He criticizes the ruling party’s policies as regressive and calls for political progress to create a fairer society. His campaign underscores the importance of diverse voices in national politics.
