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In the Kyoto election district, a veteran from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing backlash over his comments, creating a challenging environment for his campaign. The Japan Innovation Party is capitalizing on this with a well-known candidate aiming to win their first seat there, and the Communist Party is working hard to defend its only seat in the Kansai region, with party leaders actively campaigning.
Shuji Nishida, the LDP’s candidate, acknowledged the difficulty of the election at a personal speech event, noting that while his party’s approval ratings have dipped, his remarks were also taken out of context, causing concern. Despite his strong victory in previous elections, his path to a fourth term faces new obstacles.
His comments on the “Himeyuri no To,” a memorial for students who died in the Battle of Okinawa, sparked significant criticism and impacted his support, even causing a stir with the LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito.
Meanwhile, Akihito Niimi from the Japan Innovation Party, with his background as a Kansai TV announcer, has been using his name recognition and youthful energy to draw in voters. Unlike previous strategies that involved support from Osaka, the party is shifting its approach to solidify local support.
Akiko Kurabayashi of the Communist Party, aiming for a third term, highlights the intense battle for votes, urging supporters to continue pushing. Historically successful in capturing protest votes, her campaign remains robust.
Despite previously supporting the same candidate in a mayoral race, Reiwa Shinsengumi has introduced their own candidate, Namiko Saigo, which might split votes. Kurabayashi’s team is determined, supported by high-profile party visits to Kyoto.
The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) is banking on its solid local political network, including prominent figures like Tetsuro Fukuyama, to support their candidate, Wakako Yamamoto. The CDP expresses confidence in their vigorous campaign efforts.
Candidates from other parties, including the recently energized Sanseitō and the Democratic Party for the People, are also actively competing, adding to the dynamic and closely contested race for Kyoto’s two available seats in the summer election.
by MagazineKey4532