Purple T-Shirt Group Ishimaru Madams Boosts Shinji Ishimaru’s National Profile Despite Election Loss

The Tokyo gubernatorial election, with a record 56 candidates, was held on July 7. Incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike (71) secured over 2.91 million votes, winning her third term.

It was expected to be a head-to-head race between Koike and former Upper House member Renho (56), but Renho finished a distant third. At a late-night press conference on the same day, Renho appeared solemn.

“It all comes down to my lack of ability.”

She admitted in her concession speech. When asked by reporters about her future in national politics (the next House of Representatives election), she replied,

“Today is the day when the results showed that my efforts did not resonate. I need some time to reflect on what I am lacking. I am not in a position to comment on the impact this gubernatorial election will have on national politics.”

In contrast to Renho’s solemn demeanor, the campaign team of Shinji Ishimaru (41) displayed a completely different attitude despite their loss.

Ishimaru, who emerged as a dark horse in the election, garnered over 1.65 million votes and finished a strong second. Around 8 PM on the same day, he addressed his supporters, saying,

“I feel that my team really gave it their all during the election. We received incredible support from countless people. In that respect, I can proudly say that we did everything we could. Thank you so much.”

Displaying a cheerful demeanor, he added that he had not yet decided on his future plans. However, when asked about the possibility of running for national office.

“I will certainly consider it as an option. For example, Hiroshima’s 1st district, which is Prime Minister Kishida’s constituency.”

 

This statement drew loud applause from the audience. Among the supporters were the “Ishimaru Madams,” who wore purple T-shirts and towels, Ishimaru’s signature color, and volunteered for his campaign. 

“You could say that the ‘Ishimaru Madams’ contributed greatly to his significant breakthrough this time,”

These words come from a national newspaper journalist who covered the election campaign.

“Ishimaru gained prominence mainly through social media during his time as mayor, sparked by conflicts with the city council. He became known for condemning sleeping council members with ‘Know shame, feel shame,’ and for debating local media, which spread widely through clipped videos, earning him the nickname ‘Debate King.’

 

However, while he increased his visibility by boosting views on the Akiota City official YouTube channel, he lacks notable achievements otherwise. The Tokyo gubernatorial election was seen as a promotional event to raise his profile.” 

 

SNS popularity alone doesn’t always translate into votes, but what really made a difference in the election campaign was the volunteer group that swelled to around 5,000 people. At the forefront were the Ishimaru Madams.

 

“They attended Ishimaru’s street speeches wearing purple T-shirts and towels, his signature color, in large numbers. Some of them brought fans like at an idol concert. Many of these ‘Madams’ not only volunteered but also followed him closely after registering as volunteers.” (aforementioned journalist)

A woman in her 40s who came from Chiba Prefecture to participate in the volunteer activities

“I have the day off today, so I plan to attend all the street speeches I can.”

She said. At Ishimaru’s street speeches, many audiences like them gathered, making it bustling every day. On July 6th, the day before the voting day, a woman in her 50s who came alone from Fukuoka Prefecture to support said,

“It’s completely a ‘supporting activity.’ I became a fan after watching Ishimaru’s City Council YouTube videos. His single status is also appealing. He makes us middle-aged women feel like we have to support him. I thought it was strange to come without voting rights, but I wanted to hear his voice in person, so I decided to come boldly. Today, I’m following him all day, and tonight, I’ll meet up with fellow supporters for a drinking party.”

He laughed. When asked, “Do you want him to win the election?”

“Of course, I want him to win, but honestly, either way is fine with me (laughs). I’ll continue supporting him in the future,” she replied.

She said, wiping away the sweat that trickled down her face.

Ishimaru gained real popularity from his success on social media, and this made him well-known across the country. As a result, just before the election, Takiyama “X”

“Looks like the bandwagon effect has finally kicked in. Candidate Shinji Ishimaru. He’s so interesting, let’s all go vote!”

And mentioning Ishimaru again must have had a significant impact as well. 

 

“The contents of his speeches weren’t particularly concrete, but he managed to gather such a large number of votes. His refreshing appearance and lively speech style are quite attractive for television as well. Some TV stations may even consider offering him roles as a commentator in the future. However, it might be challenging for him if he decides to step into national politics.” (TV station insider) 

On June 29th, Ishimaru appeared on former Miyazaki Governor and celebrity Hideo Higashikokubaru’s YouTube channel “Jiji Hodan TV” on the segment “Sonomama Miyazaki”. He had a discussion with Higashikokubaru. Ishimaru mentioned that he was interviewed by TBS’s “Sunday Japon” after a street speech. Higashikokubaru commented that even if Ishimaru were to lose the election

“It seems like this person might join the Sunday Japon family.”

However, he predicted that, but did he really? In any case, “Ishimaru Madams” will continue to support him and undoubtedly become a significant force in the future.