The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Gubernatorial Election is scheduled to be announced on June 20, 2024, with the vote to be held on July 7, 2024. We hope that voters will carefully consider the policies and achievements of the candidates and choose a better future for Tokyo.
About the Candidates
A record number of 56 candidates ran for the election. Incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike is supported by the Liberal Democratic Party, the New Komeito Party, and the Tokyo Metropolitan People’s First Association. Renho, who left the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, is also running as an independent candidate.
The following are the main issues that have been discussed in the media coverage of the Tokyo gubernatorial election with regard to campaigning and support activities.
There is widespread confusion among voters about the large number of election posters with the same design. It has been pointed out that this is because the political group “Party to Protect the People from NHK” has been putting up posters on its bulletin boards made by people who donated to the group. It is believed that this is an improper use of the billboards that exploits a gap in the system, and experts say that it is necessary to consider means of regulation.
Poster problem: A candidate himself posted a photo of a “nearly naked” woman, which had to be removed. Another party called for “jacks” and put up many pictures of dogs.
Irrelevant posters and directing visitors to pay-per-view websites: Posters unrelated to the candidates have been put up in large numbers, and posters with QR codes directing visitors to pay-per-view websites have been posted. In response, the Tokyo Election Commission has been inundated with complaints, and voters have criticized the posters, saying that they do not want their children to see them and that there is no way to regulate them by law.
Actions of a political organization: A poster resembling an advertisement for a sex business was pasted on the frames of 24 candidates associated with the political organization “Party to Protect the People from NHK.” In response, a housewife (42) from Hino City who passed by the poster said, “It is very offensive. I don’t want my children to see it, so I want it removed immediately,” she said indignantly.
Consideration of law revision: Norihisa Tamura, acting policy chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, commented on the issue of numerous posters unrelated to or identical to the candidates on the election poster board for the Tokyo gubernatorial election, saying, “If it is not for the purpose of the gubernatorial election, it is a big problem. We should consider this issue, including amending the law.
The above issues have been reported in the press. Elections are the foundation of democracy, and fairness and transparency are required. We hope that these issues will be resolved and that healthier elections will be held.
PS: There was also the issue of not enough slots to display election posters.
