In the upcoming gubernatorial race in Tokyo, residents have noticed an increase in unconventional publicity stunts being used by candidates to attract attention. This has been seen through the use of billboards featuring nearly naked women, pictures of pets, and an AI character. While some voters find these tactics distasteful, politicians argue that it is necessary to stand out in a field of 56 candidates. Tokyo holds significant political and cultural influence in Japan, making the outcome of this election important at a national level.
The campaign season has been marked by a wave of unusual and controversial billboards that have drawn criticism from residents for being inappropriate and disrespectful. Some billboards have featured adult entertainment shops, nearly naked models, and other provocative imagery. With a record number of candidates running, including incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike, the competition for attention has escalated. Many of the candidates are fringe figures or social media influencers looking to increase their exposure through these unconventional methods.
Video campaign clips have also attracted attention, with some candidates using anime-style voices and strip teases to garner interest. One male candidate representing a “golf party” mixes talk of policies with practicing his golf swing in his video. While candidates are free to express themselves under Japanese election laws, the boundary of what is considered appropriate seems to be constantly shifting. The emergence of a conservative political party has further fueled this escalation, with the party renting out billboard space to non-candidates for attention.
The rental cost for billboard space in Tokyo starts at around $155 per location per day, making it an attractive option for candidates or non-candidates seeking publicity. Some experts suggest that the use of provocative stunts in campaigns is a reflection of a disconnect between politicians and the electorate, with some voters finding these performances amusing due to their unconventional nature. However, others feel that the billboards are being misused and do not contribute to a meaningful discussion of policy issues that affect Tokyo and Japan as a whole.
As Tokyo prepares to elect a new governor, the use of controversial and attention-grabbing campaign tactics has raised concerns among residents about the direction of political discourse in the city. With a focus on personal publicity stunts over serious campaigning, some voters are left feeling disillusioned by the lack of substantive debate on important issues. The outcome of this election will have broad implications for Tokyo’s future and its relationship with the national government, highlighting the need for a more thoughtful and respectful approach to political campaigning in the future.
