Key Facts
• July 20: Election held in Tokushima-Kochi district, Hirota Kazuo wins.
• Hirota, 56, independent, supported by opposition parties, defeats ruling party-backed candidate.
• Promised policies: gas tax reduction, consumption tax cut, pension reform.
• Criticized Tokushima-Kochi district merger, pledging to resolve it in next term.
• Warned of democracy issues caused by forced district mergers.
• Predicted ruling coalition losing majority, leading to Prime Minister Ishiba’s resignation.
• Emphasized role as independent in upcoming political shifts.
• Vowed to bring political change from Tokushima-Kochi region.
Summary
Hirota Kazuo, an independent candidate, secured victory in the Tokushima-Kochi district election on July 20, defeating a ruling party-backed opponent. Supported by opposition parties, Hirota emphasized his commitment to reducing gas and consumption taxes, reforming pensions, and addressing the controversial district merger. He criticized the merger for undermining democratic participation and pledged to resolve it during his next term. Hirota also predicted significant political changes, including Prime Minister Ishiba’s resignation due to the ruling coalition’s loss of majority. As an independent, he aims to play a pivotal role in navigating Japan’s political shifts and driving change from the Tokushima-Kochi region.
