Fujikawa Akizuke, the celebrated election planner known as the 'God of Elections,' passed away on March 11, 2025. He was 71 years old. His death has triggered widespread mourning across Japan, especially following his prominent role during the 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial election, where he advised candidate Ishimaru Nobuo—a campaign credited with gaining approximately 1.65 million votes.
Fujikawa's career began at the young age of 23 when he became the secretary to a member of the House of Representatives from the Tanaka faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). His foray began unceremoniously, as he expressed his initial disillusionment with the political process, noting, "I was shocked to find politics to be not about the fervent debates over security and constitutional issues I had engaged with during my university days, but rather about budget battles and profit distribution." Yet, it was during this bleak period he found himself drawn to the excitement of elections, describing them as almost festive occasions—not just campaigns, but immersive experiences.
Fujikawa had considerable experience under his belt, having been involved with 144 elections throughout his career, losing just 14. This impressive track record solidified his reputation as the go-to strategist, and his expertise helped shape many political directions over the decades. More than just strategy, Fujikawa was known for his belief intertwined with strategy and empathy; he often considered the role of election planners as uncelebrated actors, stating, “We should be the unsung heroes, taking both good and bad to our graves.”
His last public engagement occurred on February 18, 2025, during a study session at the urban center hotel, where he delivered inspiring messages about Japan’s political future and claimed, "2025 will be the year of Japan's revival." Attending the session, nearly 200 participants, including admirers and political novices, were captivated by his insights.
During this session, Fujikawa disclosed he was unfortunately having difficulty walking due to bacteria infection, already set to be hospitalized the next day for examination. Shortly after this malaise, he was admitted to the hospital where his health deteriorated, leading to his untimely death. Reactions poured from his colleagues across political divides, highlighting his impact on Japanese politics.
Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, took to social media expressing his sorrow, noting, "I had expectations for him. It is too early to say goodbye. May he rest in peace." Meanwhile, Ishimaru Nobuo, whom Fujikawa helped navigate the tumultuous waters of the gubernatorial race, lamented, "I still feel like LINE will reach him. Reflecting on the gubernatorial election, the most rewarding memory was hearing him say, ‘It was fun.’ Thank you very much for everything, Fujikawa-san."
Fujikawa's legacy transcended party lines, having worked with both the ruling and opposition parties. He advised various candidates across the political spectrum, showing his belief in the democratic process, regardless of differing ideologies. His prominence rose again as he founded the Fujikawa Election Strategy Research Institute, aiming to guide new generations of political aspirants following his groundbreaking work and recognition during the 2024 gubernatorial election.
Despite being expelled from the LDP, Fujikawa maintained his non-affiliated stance for over 31 years. His support for candidates like Sanae Takaichi during the September 2024 LDP presidential election showcased his versatility. He was often called to lend his expertise for tactical guidance across party lines, leading to multiple requests for his collaboration from various political figures chasing election victories.
Colleague Mizuho Uemura reflected on his last visit with Fujikawa, recalling his words of encouragement and passion for the future of Japan, stating, "I was inspired by your faith and guidance. May you rest peacefully after all your hard work for our great nation." Fujikawa, through his nuanced strategies and mentoring, navigated complex political landscapes, always highlighting the importance of integrity and foresight.
While his passing has left a palpable void, the clarity and warmth of his teachings resonate still. Beyond his roles, he was seen as someone who challenged and nurtured the political ambitions of many, helping to give them their platform. His input was often invaluable, bringing together opposing factions to create cohesive strategies aimed at individual candidate successes.
Fujikawa’s fondness for political education was evident through his initiatives—he frequently organized and hosted sessions meant to empower others, dissecting the art of campaigning, electioneering and the ethics behind political strategies. This approach attracted not only seasoned politicians but also young hopefuls seeking guidance.
Fujikawa's death signifies the loss of not just an influential figure but also of someone who fundamentally believed politics could be engaging, significant, and transformative. This past week's reflections from various political circles illuminate how deeply he was regarded and how much his impact will be felt within Japan’s political arenas for many years to come.