Sanctuary Supporters Back Takichi for PM, Stir Controversy

Takaichi Sanae’s office expresses concern about the possibility of being targeted for assassination.

When asked about these recommendations and the list of lawmakers, the Japan Sanctuary Association responded, stating that they were not the official stance of the association but rather recommendations made by volunteers, and provided the following explanation:

“The recommendations you inquired about are not the official stance of the Japan Sanctuary Association nor the Japan-US-Korea Conference. They were suggestions made by volunteers to members who were struggling with what voting actions to take for the upcoming election. The ‘list of lawmakers’ documents were obtained by volunteers from conservative influencers.”

Takaichi Sanae’s office is also aware of the “Stonewalling Ishiba” movement and expressed great confusion.

“During the House of Representatives election, we received contact from about three Self-Defense Party candidate camps, and learned about movements such as the campaign for the defeat of the members who voted for Ishiba and the labeling of factions like ‘Takaichi faction’ and ‘Ishiba faction.’

Since the information came from Self-Defense Party candidates, we are unsure if it matches the ‘proposal’ you inquired about, or if it is related to Sanctuary. We are not familiar with the Sanctuary organization and have no connection with them. Regarding this matter, Takaichi expressed her thoughts on X.” (Takaichi Saori’s office)

Takaichi wrote the following on X:

“I’ve been continuing my nationwide tour without much time to check news and internet information, but yesterday, I heard a troubling story. Several self-governed candidates who supported other candidates in the LDP presidential election last month were told by some people that they would not vote. The campaign teams of these candidates were quite distressed and contacted my secretary.

The current election we are fighting is an election that will decide the government. All LDP candidates, including myself, are accepting various criticisms of the party and are working hard to win as many seats as possible, so that we can continue to lead Japan.

If we lose seats and become the opposition party, it will be difficult to implement the policies I’ve been advocating through legislative action. That’s why, yesterday and today, I’ve been supporting candidates from other camps in the party’s presidential election, and I sincerely hope you will support them as well. Please, I kindly ask for your support.”

Takaichi, who has been supported by some members of the former Unification Church on social media, has become a target for security protection. Her office argued, “There is a possibility of attracting unwarranted resentment from online postings, and the possibility of being targeted for harm cannot be ruled out.” It is unusual for a lawmaker without a key position in the party to be under police protection.