On April 27, 2025, Mizuho Umemura, a member of the House of Councillors representing Nippon Ishin no Kai, made headlines by leaving the party, citing "incomplete governance" as her reason. In a candid interview, Umemura shared her thoughts on the current state of the party and the challenges it faces in maintaining its identity and effectiveness.
Reflecting on her political journey, Umemura stated, "I was elected thanks to 'the signboard of Ishin.' I still like Nippon Ishin no Kai very much." However, she also pointed out a troubling disconnect between the party’s goals and the perceptions of its constituents. She recounted instances where voters expressed confusion about what the party stands for, saying, "Some powerful people said, 'I don't understand what Ishin wants to do as a political party,' and local assembly members consulted with her, saying, 'At this rate, the Ishin flag will not continue to wave.'" This sentiment underscores a growing concern about the party's direction and unity.
Umemura believes that the essence of Nippon Ishin no Kai has shifted since it was once a party united under strong, charismatic leadership. "I think Ishin was a party that was united under the powerful leadership of a charismatic leader, heading towards one goal. The absence of overwhelming charisma may be a phenomenon that has emerged," she explained. This fragmentation, she argues, is one of the reasons the party is losing its distinctiveness and appeal.
As the party struggles with low approval ratings and several local assembly members leaving, the question arises: how can Ishin regain its footing? Umemura's observations highlight a critical need for the party to foster more robust internal discussions and align its members towards common objectives. She noted, "There are moments when I wonder if I am necessary for this organization. The lack of a forum for open debate has made it difficult to create a sense of unity around policies that truly reflect the voices of the people we represent."
In light of these challenges, the party's recent decision to implement preliminary elections has stirred controversy. Umemura expressed her discomfort with the way the process was handled, stating, "It's not about making the preliminary election a rule, but why start with me, who is in my first term, and why is it 'only this time at the present time'? I felt a very strong sense of discomfort." This dissatisfaction with the party's governance structure has led to a broader conversation about the need for reform within Ishin.
Umemura's departure was not an isolated incident; other party members have also voiced their concerns. Hirota Kazumi, an Osaka city council member who participated in the preliminary election, also left the party, indicating that dissatisfaction is not limited to Umemura. The secretary-general of Ishin, Iwatani, attempted to clarify the party's position by stating that the preliminary election measures were "limited to this time." However, this explanation has not quelled the rising tide of dissent among party members.
Umemura's experience with the party has been tumultuous, especially following her previous suspension of party membership qualification after her comments regarding the tragic death of a Sri Lankan woman in detention. She faced severe backlash for her remarks, which were deemed inappropriate, but Umemura contends that the real issue was the party's handling of governance. "From my point of view, it was the party that was collapsing governance," she asserted.
Despite her departure, Umemura remains committed to her political career. "I do not intend to give up being a politician," she declared. As she prepares to form a one-person parliamentary group in the House of Councillors, she is also contemplating her future endeavors, including potentially running for local office. "For example, I am interested in mayoral elections. I want to dedicate my time to one municipality and create a good model that can be implemented nationwide," she shared.
Umemura's insights into the current political landscape of Nippon Ishin no Kai reveal a party at a crossroads. The need for a clear vision and strong leadership has never been more pressing. As she continues her work until her term expires on July 28, 2025, the urgency for reform and the establishment of preliminary election rules grows. Without these changes, there is a risk that the party's influence in Osaka, where it has historically performed well, may diminish.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by Nippon Ishin no Kai are emblematic of broader issues within political parties that struggle to adapt to changing voter expectations and internal dynamics. As Umemura navigates her future, the party must confront its identity crisis head-on, or risk losing the very support that once propelled it to prominence.
