Key Facts
• July 2025: Police reported 889 threatening posts during the Upper House election.
• Posts included coded death threats like “Die” and “Shoot.”
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba received the majority of these threats.
• Police issued warnings to high-risk individuals but made no arrests.
• Public criticized police for insufficient action, demanding arrests and stricter measures.
• Reference to 2022 assassination of former PM Shinzo Abe raised concerns.
• Politician Mayu Ushida canceled public schedules due to safety threats.
• Social media users debated freedom of expression versus public safety.
• Experts urged stronger police measures to prevent future tragedies.
Summary
During the July 2025 Upper House election, Tokyo Metropolitan Police revealed 889 threatening posts targeting candidates, including coded death threats like “Die” and “Shoot.” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was a primary target, with his social media flooded by abusive comments. Despite issuing warnings to high-risk individuals, police faced public backlash for not making arrests. Critics cited the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of inaction. Politician Mayu Ushida also faced safety threats, leading her to cancel public appearances. While some defended freedom of expression, many called for stricter enforcement to prevent future violence. Experts emphasized the need for stronger police measures to ensure public safety in an era of heightened online hostility.
