Tamaki’s Party Falls, Shinjiro Rises — The Surprising Celebrity Candidate the LDP Bets On in a Chaotic July Election

The easy-to-understand phrase “5 kilograms for 2,000 yen” was well received

With the July Upper House election fast approaching, the political atmosphere in Nagatachō is starting to shift.

Until recently, it had seemed certain that the Democratic Party for the People, led by Yuichiro Tamaki (56) under the banner of increasing take-home pay, would make major gains — but now a strong headwind is blowing.

The trouble began when the party announced its endorsements for the Upper House proportional representation race, naming four former lawmakers: Shiori Yamao (ex-House of Representatives), Yasushi Adachi (ex-Ishin), Genki Sudou (ex-Constitutional Democratic, former Upper House member), and Michiyo Yakushiji (ex-LDP, former Upper House member). All four had stirred controversy in the past with their statements and behavior, prompting criticism from long-time supporters. As a result, the party’s approval rating fell by 2 to 5 points in various opinion polls.

In the May 18 special election for Wako City Council in Saitama, a female newcomer candidate from the party was defeated. Even in local elections, where the party had been on a winning streak, the impact was now being felt. A national newspaper political reporter commented:

“Among the four, it’s especially Yamao. The fallout from her past affair scandal was huge, and social media turned into a storm. Party officials admit they hadn’t expected the backlash to be this intense.”

Meanwhile, in an effort to address soaring rice prices, Shinjiro Koizumi (44) was appointed to replace former Agriculture Minister Taku Eto (64).

Koizumi, calling himself the rice minister, introduced a new system for releasing government stockpiled rice, deciding to sell it through discretionary contracts where the government could directly select retailers. Major companies like the operator of Don Quijote, Rakuten Group, Aeon, Iris Ohyama, Sundrug, and FamilyMart all expressed interest. Koizumi also coined the easy-to-grasp slogan “5 kilograms for 2,000 yen.”

“Whether the discretionary contract method was the right move will be judged later. That said, the public is responding positively to Koizumi’s quick, decisive action. He’s no longer the same person people used to tease for his nonsensical ‘Shinjiro phrases’ and poet-like speeches. Though he couldn’t produce results in last year’s LDP leadership race, this could be his big comeback. If he succeeds in addressing the rice issue, he might quickly emerge as a post-Ishiba contender.” (another national newspaper reporter)

On the other hand, on May 28, Democratic Party for the People’s Tamaki made a questionable remark while questioning in the House of Representatives Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee. Regarding the stockpiled rice, he said:

“Another year and it would have been turned into animal feed.”

While it’s true that stockpiled rice is converted to feed after five years, from the consumer’s perspective, the comment was lacking in sensitivity. Koizumi, too, was dismayed:

“At a time when we’re working to figure out how best to release this stockpile, it’s a little disappointing.”

The theme of the Upper House election has shifted from tax cuts to the rice issue

This gaffe sparked a major firestorm online as well. Kenta Izumi, former leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, sharply rebuked the remark on X:

“Stockpiled rice is a vital staple food for us, the people. Saying ‘in a year it’ll be animal feed’ is not language to use in this situation. I’d like him to retract it.”

Tamaki himself has repeatedly insisted on X that it was a misunderstanding, but according to insiders in Nagatachō, with the Upper House election approaching:

“It’s Tamaki’s self-destruction. This has shifted the momentum.”

Some voices are already murmuring about the change in atmosphere.

“Koizumi’s achievement is that he shifted the Upper House election’s focus from tax cuts to the rice issue. For Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose approval rating is flagging, Koizumi is something of a savior.” (Nagatachō insider)

That said, there’s still a month until the election. When it comes to candidate selection, it looks like there could be turbulence ahead. A national newspaper reporter quietly revealed:

“One person we’ve seen frequently in Nagatachō these past two months is pro wrestler A. He’s often been spotted with LDP lawmakers, so perhaps. The man himself is warning the media, saying ‘I’ll cause trouble for my sponsors. If you write about it, I won’t forgive you.’ But he seems quite eager to run.”

There’s also talk behind the scenes of the LDP preparing to nominate an unexpected female celebrity as a major candidate.

“To break Ishin’s hold in Osaka, the LDP’s local chapter is moving to field a high-profile candidate — B, a female celebrity who became a huge star for her silly, airheaded persona. She and her husband get along well, and last month, they even held a meeting at the Diet members’ office building, including a ‘background check.’ It’s certain that she has an interest in politics, though she’s apparently still undecided about running. Her name recognition as a celebrity is off the charts, but elections are a whole different arena. Her siblings are also famous, and she’s extremely popular in her hometown of Osaka. If she were to join the campaign for public speeches, she’d be a major boost.” (another political insider)

Nagatachō is a world where you never know what will happen next. Even with the Democratic Party for the People losing steam and Koizumi riding a wave of momentum, candidate selections could bring a whole new wind. What lies ahead — remains to be seen.