Madame Dewi’s “Pet New Party” Sparks Backlash: Luxury Fur and Calls for Prioritizing People

The “God of Elections” serves as the campaign committee chairman, showing their seriousness

Popular talent Dewi Sukarno (85), also known as Madame Dewi, is launching a political organization, “12 (Wan Nyan) Peace Party,” with herself as the representative in preparation for the upcoming summer House of Councillors election.

At a press conference, Madame Dewi announced her candidacy under the proportional representation system. Since she currently holds Indonesian nationality, she has applied for Japanese citizenship.

The party’s campaign committee chairman is election strategist Shinnosuke Fujikawa, known as the “God of Elections.” He previously served as the campaign manager for Shinji Ishimaru, who made significant gains in last year’s Tokyo gubernatorial election.

The party is a single-issue organization focusing on the welfare and protection of dogs and cats. Its official website lists policies such as:

“Clear legal prohibition of dog and cat consumption.”

“Establishment of an ‘Animal Police’ and stricter penalties for animal abuse and improper multi-pet ownership.”

Meanwhile, artist Yoshitomo Nara reacted to news of the party’s formation on X (formerly Twitter) with a sharp remark:

“A new party founded by someone who owns a lot of fur coats? I thought it was a joke. Please include hamsters too—they’re popular with kids.”

On social media, past photos of Madame Dewi wearing a ¥40 million sable fur coat made from 70 small animals have resurfaced.

“A sable is a member of the weasel family, but its appearance is quite similar to dogs and cats. It’s understandable that some people are questioning how the leader of a party advocating for animal welfare could wear fur—especially one that is gradually being phased out in Western countries,” said a women’s magazine reporter.

With Madame Dewi’s outstanding name recognition across a wide range of generations

At a press conference, when asked by reporters about whaling, Madame Dewi firmly responded:

“Dogs and cats are our companions. They are different from whales. Whales are not our companions.”

Of course, dogs and cats are mainstream pets in Japan as well. However, those who saw her remarks reacted with comments such as:

“She talks about ‘animal welfare,’ but it seems like she only cares about dogs and cats while being indifferent to other animals.”

“Hearing ‘animal welfare’ from someone dressed in luxurious fur just feels like a celebrity mindset.”

“I like animals too, but shouldn’t helping people’s lives come first?”

There were many negative opinions online.

A TV news reporter commented:

“There is criticism, but elections have always tended to favor familiar faces over policies. That’s why ruling parties also recruit celebrities. Madame Dewi has an outstanding level of recognition across generations, and many people sympathize with the plight of dogs and cats. If she obtains Japanese nationality, winning an election is certainly possible. However, she has a history of frequent controversial remarks. In the past, she claimed that ‘99% of infertility is due to abortion’ and was forced to apologize after praising Johnny Kitagawa even as his sexual misconduct was being exposed. As a politician, such remarks could be fatal, so she would need to be more cautious than ever.”

On variety shows, Madame Dewi fearlessly takes on physical challenges alongside younger talents. At 85 years old, she may feel she has a real shot at a new stage in life.