Shinji Ishimaru Changes Stance on “Ishimaru Syntax” from “Keep it Up” to “Don’t Make Fun of It”
Although he lost in the Tokyo gubernatorial election held on July 7th, Shinji Ishimaru, the former mayor of Akitakata City, Hiroshima Prefecture, made a significant impact as a standard-bearer of a new era through his use of videos and social media during his campaign. After his defeat, he appeared on an election special program, where he frequently seemed out of sync with the conversation, gradually shattering his initial image as a refreshing young man.
Amidst this, he has recently changed his attitude regarding the “Ishimaru syntax” being mocked online.
This all started when comedian Ryo Fukawa, after watching the awkward discussion between sociologist Noritoshi Furuichi and Shinji Ishimaru on a Nippon TV election program, tweeted on X (formerly Twitter):
“[Concerned] I wonder if Ishimaru-san can order at Subway.”
This tweet amused netizens, leading to a situation where people began creating similar jokes by comparing it to different scenarios, much like a comedic contest.
When asked about the Ishimaru syntax on the YouTube channel ‘ReHacQ−リハック−,’ where he appeared on the 10th, Ishimaru responded with a smile:
“Rather, it’s great, keep it up!”
He was then proposed a discussion with Shinjiro Koizumi, known for his “Shinjiro syntax”:
“I’m totally up for it.”
He answered immediately:
“I’m serious about the entertainment-ization of politics. It engages everyone’s interest, and politicians respond to that.”
He explained the reason.
On the TV Asahi program ‘Good! Morning’ aired on the 11th, Ishimaru was asked about the Ishimaru syntax:
“It’s super funny, isn’t it?”
He burst into laughter.
“Maybe I’ll go to Subway afterward. Should I try it there? Asking, ‘What are you talking about?'”
He spoke enthusiastically.
