EDITORIAL | Focus the Tokyo Election on Who Can Protect Lives, Livelihood

The election to choose the next governor of Tokyo officially began on June 20. It is a contest frequently discussed in terms of the turmoil related to "politics and money" currently surrounding national politics. However, we must not forget that Tokyo has many problems of its own that need to be solved. 

Hopefully, all the candidates will engage in a sincere debate that tackles the various problems facing the metropolitan government. Ideally, voters will calmly evaluate the policy proposals of each candidate. They should also consider the feasibility of achieving the candidates' proposals. 

A Metropolis of Over 14 Million

Tokyo has a population of over 14 million. Its gross prefectural domestic product is ¥113.7 trillion JPY (around $715 billion USD) or roughly 20% of Japan's entire GDP. The main issue in this race should be who can best protect the lives and livelihood of Tokyo residents.

One aspect of that is disaster prevention measures. Tokyo must be fully prepared for a major earthquake striking immediately below the capital. Likewise, it must be prepared for an eruption of Mount Fuji. 

What is more, we are now in an era where it is important to take measures to deal with possible national security emergencies. In particular, there is a dire need to quickly build underground air defense shelters. Russia's invasion of Ukraine shows clearly just how important that is. 

Measures to address declining births also cannot wait. The Vital Statistics Report for 2023 shows that Tokyo's total fertility rate fell below one to 0.99. It measures the average number of children a woman living in the city will have during her lifetime. During her eight years in office, incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike has introduced measures to deal with the problem. Those include child-rearing assistance. However, their effectiveness is being questioned. 

The Candidates

Koike, who is seeking a third term, announced her campaign pledges on June 18. On the same day, Renho Murata (born Saito Renho), a member of the Upper House of the Diet who formerly belonged to the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), also announced her campaign pledges. 

The following day, these two female candidates participated in a debate sponsored by the Japan National Press Club. They were joined by candidates Toshio Tamogami, former chief of staff of the Air Self-Defense Forces, and Shinji Ishimaru, former mayor of Akitakata City in Hiroshima Prefecture. 

Creating an environment in which voters can fully hear the policy proposals of the various candidates for governor is important. This time, the field of candidates is the largest in history. More than 50 individuals say they intend to throw their hats in the ring. 

Prevent Election Disruptions

However, a single political group, the Party to Protect the People from NHK is running 24 candidates. Its avowed aim is to "hijack" the election bulletin boards that display posters in support of various candidates. As well, it intends to disrupt political information programs like NHK broadcasts airing candidates' views. Is such behavior really appropriate during an important election? 

During the April by-election for the House of Representatives in Tokyo's 15th District, candidates from the political group Tsubasa no To interrupted stump speeches by candidates belonging to other political groups on several occasions. They were later arrested on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Law. Article 225 of that law prohibits such acts as constituting the "crime of obstruction of freedom of elections."

If similar incidents occur during the gubernatorial election, they should be dealt with even while the campaigning is proceeding. 

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun