Key Facts
• Hyogo electoral district sees 13 candidates vying for 3 seats in a heated race.
• Poll results: Fusahiro Izumi leads with 24%, Takashi Tachibana at 8%.
• Izumi, former mayor of Akashi, is expected to secure a top victory.
• Tachibana’s attacks include social media posts and public mockery of Izumi.
• Tachibana previously ran a controversial campaign in the 2023 Hyogo governor election.
• Izumi stopped pre-announcing campaign events after Tachibana’s provocations.
• Supporters suggest Izumi avoid direct confrontation with Tachibana.
• Izumi’s popularity remains evident, with large crowds at his unscheduled appearances.
• Tachibana plans to hold his final campaign speech in Izumi’s hometown, Akashi.
• Two remaining seats in Hyogo are contested by Komeito, LDP, and opposition parties.
Summary
The Hyogo electoral district is witnessing a fierce battle in the ongoing House of Councillors election. Fusahiro Izumi, former Akashi mayor, leads the polls with 24% support, while Takashi Tachibana of the NHK Party trails at 8%. Tachibana has launched aggressive attacks on Izumi, including social media posts and public mockery, reminiscent of his controversial tactics in the 2023 Hyogo governor election. Izumi, maintaining his lead, has opted to avoid direct confrontation, ceasing pre-announcements of campaign events. Despite Tachibana’s provocations, Izumi’s popularity is evident, drawing large crowds during unscheduled appearances. The race for the remaining two seats remains competitive, with Komeito, LDP, and opposition parties vying for victory. Tachibana’s final campaign speech is set to take place in Izumi’s hometown, Akashi, further intensifying the rivalry.
