In the upcoming July 20th upper house elections, the key battleground is the single-member districts, especially the Niigata district, known for its rice production. The race here has intensified over agricultural issues, particularly rice prices.
Liberal Democratic Party – Shigeru Ishiba (July 5, Joetsu City):
“One of the key issues is the price of rice. Koizumi worked hard to bring rice prices into the 3000 yen range. Both consumers and producers were satisfied with that. Now, Nakajima Mai will continue to push to find out where the price of rice stands.”
The new candidate from the LDP, Mai Nakamura, is running for the first time.
Liberal Democratic Party – Mai Nakamura (July 5, Joetsu City):
“Though there are still strong headwinds for the LDP, I will do my best.”
Nakamura, who competed in the Sydney Olympics 25 years ago and won two medals in the 100m backstroke, held a parade with over 10,000 people in her hometown of Nagaoka City, Niigata. She welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba to her hometown to rally support and appeal to her supporters. Nakamura’s campaign focuses on promoting sports, creating disaster-resistant regions, and addressing the rice issue.
Liberal Democratic Party – Mai Nakamura (July 3, Tsubame City):
“To protect farmers, we need to create an environment where they can safely produce, and we must expand income compensation for farmers.”
A supporter of the LDP and a rice farmer commented:
“Honestly, since the LDP lost all the districts in Niigata in the House of Representatives election last year, I hope Nakamura can make a name for herself in the upper house election.”
In the 2022 general election, the LDP lost all the districts in Niigata to the CDP, marking the first time since the 2009 election that a power shift occurred.
Incumbent Highlights Achievements
The CDP’s Sakurou Uchikoshi, who is seeking re-election, emphasizes his achievements in the Diet, particularly his efforts to increase the basic pension. He and his supporters are all dressed in "sakura-colored" outfits.
Constitutional Democratic Party – Sakurou Uchikoshi (July 3, Tsubame City):
“I directly questioned Prime Minister Ishiba in the Budget Committee, and it was through that exchange that we were able to raise the basic pension.”
Uchikoshi, who has been active for nearly 20 years as a lawyer, has focused on supporting vulnerable individuals and has emphasized the importance of policies that benefit people at the grassroots level.
Constitutional Democratic Party – Sakurou Uchikoshi (July 3, Tsubame City):
“Rice prices are really tough for everyone. To stabilize these prices, we must listen to the voices of producers and support consumers.”
Uchikoshi advocates for the revival of the individual income compensation system for farmers. In the Diet, he argued:
Constitutional Democratic Party – Sakurou Uchikoshi (May, Budget Committee):
“Prime Minister, I think a decision is necessary. Can’t you stop the effective reduction of rice production and increase rice production? Then we can make consumer prices more reasonable. Both policies are necessary.”
Prime Minister Ishiba responded:
“I tried to do exactly that during the period when Aso was the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, but we couldn’t make it happen.”
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (July 1):
“From the 2025 rice harvest, we will work on increasing rice production. We are shifting to a new rice policy.”
The Candidate's True Feelings During Lunch
Constitutional Democratic Party – Sakurou Uchikoshi (July 4, Tsunan Town):
(Q: What are your thoughts on rice issues from your speech?)
“Koizumi has been well-received as a minister, but I feel that the anger and sadness of the people in Niigata, especially the farmers, are really bubbling up.”
Uchikoshi is supported by strong allies, including former CDP leader Yukio Edano.
Constitutional Democratic Party – Yukio Edano (July 5, Niigata City):
“Just like in last year’s general election, if we get votes from each region, we can definitely win.”
In last year’s general election, the CDP won all five districts in Niigata. Uchikoshi is joined on the campaign trail by members of the Diet who won in various districts.
Ryuichi Yoneyama, House of Representatives member (July 3, Mitsuke City):
“I’m Ryuichi Yoneyama from the House of Representatives. Thanks to everyone who is supporting Uchikoshi. The Diet is where laws are made, and understanding the law is a big deal.”
Economic Issues from a Housewife's Perspective
Eriko Hirai, a newcomer from the Sanseito Party, focuses on economic issues from the perspective of a housewife. She mentioned that rise in consumption tax actually didn't make the economy better. She calls for the abolition of consumption tax and reduction of the burden of social insurance premiums. Making is possible to work while raising children. Being from a rice farming family, she advocates for the government buying rice at higher prices and sell it at low price to consumers.
SNS Focused Campaign by NHK Party
Kōsei Harada of the NHK Party has focused his campaign on social media, with his main base of operations in Saitama Prefecture, far from Niigata. His goal is to restore NHK to its original purpose as a public broadcaster, using social media to engage voters more effectively than traditional campaigning.
This tight race has intensified due to Niigata's rice-related concerns, with each candidate bringing their own approach to addressing agricultural issues and the economy.
by MagazineKey4532