The Shizuoka City Council election, held on March 23, 2025, marked a significant shift in the political landscape as the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) made notable gains while the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faced a setback. The election was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Ishiba's gift certificate scandal, which significantly impacted voter sentiment.
According to reports, the LDP experienced a reduction in its representation, dropping from 23 seats before the election to 20. This decline is attributed to the fallout from the gift certificate issue, impacting public trust in the party. LDP candidate Kazuhiko Suzuki expressed the party's helplessness in the face of this backlash, stating, "It’s a matter within the organization of the LDP, so we couldn’t help it. We inevitably had to feel the impact of the situation."0
In stark contrast, DPFP newcomers Sugiyama Mami Masako and Kohei Horiike emerged victorious, leading the polls in their respective districts. Sugiyama stood out as a prominent figure in Aoi Ward, securing a remarkable 13,082 votes. In her victory speech, she emphasized the need for policies that promote women's active participation in local governance, noting, "The involvement of women has lagged behind in Shizuoka. Currently, the Aoi Ward has zero female council members, and I aim to advocate for measures such as subsidies for painless childbirth and improved systems."0
Voter turnout for this election reflected a slight increase, reaching 42.01%, a 1.9-point rise from the historical low recorded during the previous election. This uptick suggests that the intense campaign environment, filled with national political overtones, resonated with the electorate.
The election was framed not just as a local affair but as a bellwether for national sentiment, drawing significant attention from political leaders across the spectrum. DPFP leader Yuichiro Tamaki noted the election's importance, stating, "This election is being watched closely by people across the nation.”
The DPFP was fielding candidates in ordinance-designated cities for the first time, marking a critical step in its strategy to expand its political footprint. On March 20, Tamaki and Secretary-General Kazuo Tsukue campaigned together in Shizuoka, a rare occurrence that signified the party's commitment to strengthening local ties.
During the campaign, LDP faced criticism for not effectively addressing local issues while heavily focusing on national politics. LDP's Keitaro Amano acknowledged that there was a noticeable frustration among candidates regarding the inclusion of national political themes, stating, "Some candidates expressed dissatisfaction on social media, saying that they felt they were focusing on local elections, yet the debates centered around national political topics."0
The election's backdrop was set by persistent worries regarding political finance, as highlighted by Maehara Seiji, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai). He called for voters to scrutinize the LDP's financial dealings, insisting that the elections should serve as a wake-up call for reform in political financing practices.
The situation led to significant mobilization across party lines, with leaders from various parties participating actively in the campaigning process. Public support swelled for candidates lodging serious critiques against the LDP. A striking aspect of the election was the Democratic Party's resurgence, as the Constitutional Democratic Party managed to double its representation from two to four seats, indicating a rising trend in favor of opposition parties.
Candidates from the Constitutional Democratic Party celebrated their success as reflecting the voices of women and younger voters. Newly elected member Mami Matsui remarked, "I believe this is a manifestation of the voices of women and the younger working generation, and I will do my utmost to ensure that these voices are represented."
The success of the opposition coalition highlighted a perceived need for change amid the ongoing issues surrounding political funding and female representation.
The results featured a historical total of 48 candidates who ran, reflecting a dynamic and competitive election climate. Daring moves, such as the DPFP’s joint campaign appearances by top leaders, created a buzz around their message, while LDP's usual localized approach faced challenges in gaining traction.
Despite their failure to secure a majority, the LDP remained the largest party in the city council, maintaining a position that still holds significant influence. However, their had strategy of focusing on local governance came under intense scrutiny, invoking fears that the recent election may redefine the dynamics of city and national policies moving forward.
As voting wrapped up, public opinion appeared to resonate with the rising tide of change, showcasing dissatisfaction with the status quo and an appetite for new ideas. The shifting political landscape in Shizuoka could serve as a precursor for future national elections, suggesting that local sentiments continue to reflect broader political currents in the country.
This election serves as a reminder of the decisive influence that governance issues can have on electoral outcomes. With the rapid pace of change, the rising voices of previously underrepresented groups in politics could signal a new era of inclusive governance.
