Shortly after 8 pm on the 7th, Shinji Ishimaru (41), an independent candidate in the Tokyo German election, told a crowd of supporters gathered at his election office in Shinjuku Ward, saying, “I did my best to say with certainty that I did all that I could,” he said, pointing out that he had won.
◆ Calls to “delete politicians” fail.
Although he is certain to lose the Tokyo general election, Shinji Ishimaru promises and answers questions from reporters in Shinjuku, Tokyo on the night of the 7th (Photo by Yu Kido)
When reporters asked him about his future political activities, he replied that he would naturally consider running for the Hiroshima 1st District of the House of Representatives, which is the hometown of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as an option.” Regarding the establishment of a new party or not, he said, “There is no chance that the sun will explode tomorrow.”
Mr. Ishimaru advocated an end to politicians and set out “political reconstruction,” “urban development,” and “industrial creation” as the three pillars of his promise. The first, “political reconstruction,” asserts that it is “the basis and root of all politics.” He called for the end of “disorganized politics”.
Shinji Ishimaru looks at his computer as his victory in the Tokyo winter election becomes certain (Photo by Yu Kido)
During the election period, he frequently uploaded videos of himself on the Internet, running a campaign that made the most of his online communication power, which attracted attention since he was the mayor of Akitakada, Hiroshima Prefecture .
He also asked audience members to send videos and photos of themselves to a friend’s line. Over hundreds of people in the audience gathered at street advertisements in various places, which showed the high level of attention it received. (Yusuke Sato)
◆ “Is Japan’s future safe?” said Mr. Ishimaru
The following are the main questions and answers between Shinji Ishimaru and the press.
Mr. IshimaruWhere should I start? There are two things I want to say. I think my (election strategy) team really did their best. I can proudly say that I did everything I could. I am really grateful to you.
The second point. The results reflected the consensus of the people of Tokyo. That’s the size. I have nothing to say.
reporterWhat do you think were the reasons for your failure this time?
Mr. IshimaruAt first, the media didn’t cover it at all.
reporterWhat impressed you most about the election campaign?
Mr. IshimaruOne is that Sanjapo came to interview us early. Apart from that, there are many other things in mind.
After I took the job as Mayor Aki Takada, I came to Tokyo, and in the process of forming this winning team, after the announcement was made, the team really started to move, and every scene for me was a scene unbelievable that I have never had. previously seen.
One of the definite highlights was yesterday’s final street speech. I thought it was amazing to see so many people filling the streets in front of Tokyo Station, all wanting to give street speeches. I felt it myself.
a reporterWhat do you think about your future political activities?
Mr. IshimaruI haven’t decided yet.
reporterWhat do you think about national politics?
Mr. IshimaruI would definitely consider that an option. For example, Hiroshima 1st ward. This is Prime Minister Kishida’s constituency.
reporter(Ishimaru) Is there a chance that something like a new party will be set up?
Mr. IshimaruIsn’t that a possibility? It could even be that the sun will explode tomorrow.
Shinji Ishimaru answers a question from a reporter in Shinjuku, Tokyo on the night of the 7th (Photo by Yu Kido)
reporterI don’t think Mr. Ishimaru is fit to be a member of the Diet, but what do you think? Will the team (election campaign) be disbanded after this election?
Mr. IshimaruRegarding your first question, I completely agree. I think it is very rare to find someone who thinks this person is fit to be a member of the Diet.
The second. This team was created for this election, so yes, it will be retired for the time being.
reporterIf you are saying that he is not fit to be a member of the Diet at all, then I think he will become a new party.
Mr. IshimaruAt this stage, I have no intention of forming or launching a party of any kind. I’m definitely considering it as an option, but I have no intention of doing it.
reporterI believe there was a lot of support from Hokkaido in the north, Kyushu in the south, and the business community, but what do you think about these supporters?
Mr. IshimaruAs I said at the beginning. We have gathered some great members here.
In that sense, I think Japan’s future is secure. Each of you, with so much will and ability, decided to do your best for Japan. I think this is a great hope.
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