Shinji Ishimaru also cried] The “God of Election,” who had fought with guerrillas and passed away suddenly, spoke of the “eye of the typhoon” in this summer’s Upper House election.
Tears in Mr. Ishimaru’s eyes
Election planner Shinnosuke Fujikawa (71), known as the “god of elections,” passed away suddenly on March 11.
Mr. Fujikawa supported former Aki Takata Mayor Shinji Ishimaru (42), who came in second with 1.65 million votes in last July’s gubernatorial election in Tokyo, and became a man of the moment.
When asked about the news of Fujikawa’s death at a regular press conference on March 14, he reflected on the situation in an auspicious manner and with a few tears in his eyes.
I wanted to talk to him more about many things, and I wanted him to tell me more about himself. There were some articles that suggested we didn’t get along, but that is not true. I am filled with gratitude. In Mr. Fujikawa’s words, he is an “interesting person,” and I was surprised to see someone so lively in an election. He had a passion for Japanese politics and the nation of Japan, and I liked him. He was a hot omoroi.
Mr. Fujikawa had been speaking publicly until one month before his death.
On February 12, he was also present at the press conference for the formation of the “12 (Wannyan) Peace Party,” headed by TV personality and animal rights activist Devi Sukarno, 85, known as “Mrs. Devi,” and said, “Mrs. Sukarno was close to foreign dignitaries through her charity work, and she is well qualified as a politician. I am excited to see what kind of politician she will become.
Mr. Fujikawa has been hospitalized at St. Luke’s International Hospital since February 19 due to the effects of bacteria in his right leg. On February 18, the day before his hospitalization, he gave an interview to FRIDAY Digital in which he expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “If I don’t get two seats, I will go out of business.
If possible, I would like to win five seats. That way I can fulfill the requirements of a political party and have a casting vote in the political arena.
Although he still limped on his sore right leg, he was, as usual, using his own analysis to decipher the political situation.
I can read your line, so call me anytime.”
He never dreamed that these would be his last words.
It was last year’s Tokyo gubernatorial election that brought Fujikawa’s name to national prominence, but he had also coordinated elections for the “Tax Cuts Japan” and “Minna-no Party,” and had achieved results in local councilor and chief executive elections.’ In 2005, he became secretary general of the Tokyo Restoration Association. The Japan Innovation Party was able to expand its influence in Tokyo thanks to Fujikawa’s support.
In 2010, Mr. Fujikawa established the Fujikawa Institute for Election Strategies under his own name, and in order to learn from the “god of elections” and “military strategist” who boasted a nearly 90% victory rate, politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, as well as opposition party leaders and former ministers, would visit his office. He never refused anyone who came to his office, and he was always willing to talk with reporters of weekly newspapers, freely sharing his knowledge on everything from how to read political situations to behind-the-scenes stories.
