1. “Don’t Eat Wheat”? – Rumors About the Sanseito Party

Rumors online claim that the Sanseito Party says things like “Don’t eat wheat” or “Wheat is poison.”

• Chiyo Tabo (59), a Sanseito candidate, said she’s confused by these claims.
• These views were actually made by a former Sanseito leader who left the party.
• Sanseito’s official policy promotes food self-sufficiency and supports storing rice, wheat, and soybeans.
• Party leader Sohei Kamiya stated on June 28 that these anti-wheat claims are not the party’s official stance. He said people should eat what suits their body and that saying “wheat is bad” is an exaggeration.

2. Support from the Constitutional Democratic Party? – Claims About Yukie Niwata

Posts online claim Yukie Niwata (57), a new candidate from the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), is officially endorsed by the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP).

• In reality, the CDP is only supporting her at the local level, not officially endorsing or recommending her.
• The DPP gave her formal endorsement, the labor group RENGO recommended her, but the CDP did not.
• CDP officials say they usually do not officially endorse candidates from other parties.

3. Pro–Tax Hike? – Claims About Shigeru Doko

A YouTube video calls Shigeru Doko (72) from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) a supporter of raising the consumption tax.

• In a candidate survey, Doko said the tax rate should stay the same.
• In a July 2 interview, he emphasized helping people cope with rising prices and said, “Now is not the time for tax hikes.”
• The video also labels him a “Finance Ministry puppet,” but there’s no evidence of any direct ties. Doko has never held a Finance Ministry post.

4. Friendly with Russia? – Claims About the Communist Party

A video claims the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) is close to Russia.

• JCP officials deny this.
• In fact, JCP leader Kazuo Shii was included on Russia’s 2022 “no entry” blacklist, along with then-PM Kishida.
• The JCP also publicly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
• Toyama JCP leader Toshihiko Ueda said communism has nothing to do with violent invasions or Russian-style imperialism.

5. Candidate With No Intent to Win – Akira Sato (NHK Party)

Akira Sato (50) from the NHK Party is also running in Toyama.

• He said he doesn’t plan to campaign or try to win.
• His goal is just to help the NHK Party regain national party status.

Summary

Many rumors online about candidates in Toyama—like wheat fear, fake endorsements, or tax hike claims—are either false or misleading. Voters are encouraged to check facts and not rely on questionable online posts.