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.