Key Facts
• July 18, 2025: Taro Yamada held a campaign speech in Akihabara, Tokyo.
• Yamada collaborated with manga artist and fellow politician Ken Akamatsu.
• Media reports suggest ruling coalition may lose majority in upcoming election.
• Yamada emphasized his focus on “freedom of expression” over party loyalty.
• In 2019, Yamada won 540,000 votes using a social media-driven campaign.
• He is recognized as a pioneer of “online elections” in Japan.
• Yamada believes social media allows voters to evaluate candidates individually.
• He highlighted the importance of fact-checking in the digital age.
Summary
Taro Yamada, a member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, held a campaign event in Akihabara on July 18, 2025, alongside manga artist and politician Ken Akamatsu. Facing re-election in the July 20 House of Councillors election, Yamada addressed concerns about the ruling coalition potentially losing its majority. Known for his innovative use of social media in the 2019 election, where he secured 540,000 votes, Yamada emphasized his commitment to “freedom of expression” over party allegiance. He praised social media for enabling direct communication between candidates and voters, fostering a more transparent and interactive electoral process. However, he also stressed the growing need for fact-checking in the digital era. Yamada’s approach continues to shape modern election strategies in Japan.
