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DPJ leader Kaieda, Ishihara lose seats; Obuchi re-elected

41 Comments

Banri Kaieda, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, lost in the single-seat electoral district in Tokyo in Sunday's lower house election. Former Tokyo Gov Shintaro Ishihara was also among Sunday's losers, while former Abe cabinet minister Yuko Obuchi -- who was forced out of office by a scandal -- bounced back.

Speaking to supporters late Sunday night, Kaieda said he would resign as party leader and said the DPJ needs new leadership in order to become a viable alternative to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, NTV reported.

Another notable DPJ member, former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, also lost in the single-seat electoral district of Fuchu in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Ishihara, 82, a member of the Party for Future Generations, lost his seat. Before the election, Ishihara had said he would resign if he were not re-elected, saying it was time for younger party members to take over.

For the LDP, Obuchi was easily re-elected in Gunma. Obuchi, who resigned from her cabinet post in October to take responsibility for inappropriate accounting by political organizations linked to her, spent most of her campaign making 10-minute stump speeches 30 to 40 times per day. She thanked her supporters for giving her another chance.

Another scandal-hit former cabinet minister, Midori Matsushima, was also re-elected in Tokyo.

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41 Comments
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First off, Obuchi is a liar. There is no way she did not know wine with her face on the label was being passed out as part of a gift basket. And please, look up her resume, she's bounced from position after position after only a year at each, and each time she makes an impassioned speech about the changes she wants to make, then bolts for the next position as soon as it's open. She's done nothing. Great. She makes speeches, I guess that's more important than actions.

As for Kaieda, Ishihara and the other countless number of parties, you basically lost because of a record low voter turnout due to the fact people hate you and have no faith in any of you.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Not because women power but Japanese people realize women politicians are not like many lazy or irresponsible men politicians.

If this was the only reason the entire parliament would be filled with women.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Ishihara's defeat is perhaps the only good news that came from this election! That and Banri Kaeda's defeat. He was the worst leader that Minshuto could have picked. I guess we will be back to Seiji Maehara as the leader by default.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Tamogami didn't win. That's another plus.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

This morning is a beautiful one and it has gotten even more beautiful hearing the news that Banri Kaieda got the big boot!

On the other hand, the Communists doubled the number of seats they have and the DPJ did actually gain 11 seats themselves. I'd be surprised if you were thrilled about that. But yes, Kaieda was useless and would have had to go even if he had got re-elected.

6 ( +7 / -2 )

Old Blinky gets the boot!!!!! Wow. I thought they would need the jaws of life to prize his lips from the teats of the public purse. It also seems that the DPJ are fading to obscurity. For the sake of the democratic process, I hope there is somebody in their ever diminishing talent pool who can step up and lead the party. Anyone for Edano?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

That Ishihara was defeated and humiliated is great news for the majority that despise him. He was "supreme advisor" to the Party of the Future. The irony of this is beyond comical. I just hope we are now finally rid of this cancer and can really focus on the future.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I doubt Ishihara's ego will allow him to fade away just yet. I'm sure he'll try to meddle in politics someway.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Ishihara losing almost makes this election worth while.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

The good news is the fascist "Next Generation" party were almost wiped out. Only Hiranuma and one other remain. I would urge all non-Japanese to avoid visiting Okayama as it's clear the people there (who elected Hiranuma) won't make you welcome.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Hope Ishihara goes back to write novels. Once upon a time, he was the top novelist in Japan.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Respects to DPJ leader Kaieda, stepping down quickly is the honourable course of action. It time now for the new DPJ leadership to completely divest themselves of the past and connect to the youth of Japan, fundamentally overhauling every policy with a new political message of inclusion for young and old, rich or poor irrespective of class. If this election had any meaningful purpose, highlighting and acting on the dreadful voter apathy festering in Japans youth culture is clear.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

toshiko: Hope Ishihara goes back to write novels. Once upon a time, he was the top novelist in Japan.

If you set up a Kickstarter page for his next novel maybe he'd try it again.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

former Abe cabinet minister Yuko Obuchi—who was forced out of office by a scandal—bounced back.

On her dead fathers coat-tails. If her last name hadn't been Obuchi she never would have gotten a seat in the first place. I bet this was one of the constituencies that the opposition decided not to field any candidates in. Anyways, good that Juminto was able to keep her on, just another dead-weight who will bring nothing new to a party that has no new ideas, sorry, except for the wonderfully successful Abenomics policies. Keep on voting them in farmers and bringing us the cream of your crops. Maybe they should stand her motionless in the Juminto headquarters's window as a manikin. At least she could be more useful to the party that way.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Hashimoto got caught in two major gaffes, saying public servants have no private life, and that every army used "comfort women." Guess what, both comments were taken out of context. At least Ishihara and Hashimoto have conviction

Yet conveniently forget that he screwed around on his wife, not to mention that typically Japanese politicians quit their posts when they get caught in extra-marital affairs. Also you conveniently forget too that Hashimoto invaded people's privacy by forcing folks who had tattoos to out themselves and he made a number quit too if I remember correctly.

Hashimoto's convictions start from between his legs.

Ishihara is an old fart and is too old to start changing his spots this late in life.

Now he wants more immigration into Japan to preserve the Japanese population.

So in effect what you are saying is he wants foreign folks to come here and help the Japanese make babies because they obviously are not doing it on their own. BS, Ishihara only wants the foreigners who can be controlled and locked in a corner somewhere out of public eye and have them do the dirty work no Japanese wants to do.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

First off, Obuchi is a liar. There is no way she did not know wine with her face on the label was being passed out as part of a gift basket. And please, look up her resume, she's bounced from position after position after only a year at each, and each time she makes an impassioned speech about the changes she wants to make, then bolts for the next position as soon as it's open. She's done nothing. Great. She makes speeches, I guess that's more important than actions.

It's easy to point fingers without proof. She moved about as dictated towards her by the LDP leadership. Her father had a HUGE following and it's easy to understand, IF YOU UNDERSTAND JAPAN AT ALL why a younger person would defer to an elderly one, which is pretty much what she has done.

Your comments stink of ignorance of her and the system here,

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Don't celebrate Ishihara's loss until he actually lives up to a promise for a change and resigns. My guess is this is cause for him and Hashimoto to try and form some new party because "even though (he) promised to resign he needs to keep his seat to maintain balance" or some such typical rubbish. When these guys lose, they never really lose, they are just reelected to other areas or given other positions. Look at the pathetic fact that Obuchi and Matsushima -- resigned in disgrace -- got reelected! People just vote for popular politicians because they are from "my hometown". Criminals have a very, very long history of being reelected in their home districts despite any scandals they should have gone to prison (or did!) for.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I don't know whether to laugh or cry, I guess a bit of both.

Japan got rid of some dead wood, but has "elected" to continue the downward trends with the ldp...........

I don't expect any improvements for the masses just more decline!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

kyushubill taking demographics and blurring the edges in defining young and old, adding more fluidity to creating the policy that is appealing to both age groups is key. An example is care for the elderly, and the declining birth rate, both are connected by the present economic necessity that requires young people to remain resident with there family. A total restructuring of employment and tax liability and more aggressive political delivery of the advantages of how change could benefit both groups could set the ball rolling.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@YubaruDEC. 15, 2014 - 07:58AM JST Not because women power but Japanese people realize women politicians are not like many lazy or irresponsible men politicians. If this was the only reason the entire parliament would be filled with women.

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I wrote about two female politicians. You are writing like women candidates were all over in Japanese electiion.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Whatever you make think of Abe---I don't like the man--- you have to marvel at the hit job he did on the competition; Ishihara, Watanabe Yoshimi, Kaeda and Kan. The remaining opposition parties are splintered and have no real leadership. The LDP will rule uncontested for the next 50 years and that is not something to celebrate.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I looked at Picture of the Day and Abe is painting on top for elected people's name. Tokyo 8 has name of Ishihara. Maybe it is N Ishihara or another LDP Ishihar? Bottom of name says Zen (not new) and Shin Inew). Quite bit of New people are elected. Unlike Senior Ishihara, other Ishiharas are LDP devotees.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Google "ishihara yaranaika" in Google images to see how otakus get revenge on this man.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"It time now for the new DPJ leadership to completely divest themselves of the past and connect to the youth of Japan."

Not going to happen for at least 20 years. The old, drooling, dolts are the base of the LDP as they are now the vast majority of the population. Why connect to a demographic that is in a vast minority, apathetic, and tuned out?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Mr. Perfect Dec. 15, 2014 - 12:36PM JST On her dead fathers coat-tails. If her last name hadn't been Obuchi she never would have gotten a seat in the first place.

JoeBigs Dec. 15, 2014 - 05:08PM JST

Of course she had nothing to do with her own victory, it had everything to do with her father's name. Typical Liberal anti-strong Women stance.

To your first comment, EXACTLY and this is just another typical Japanese political family dynasty. To your second comment, where did you find that anywhere in my comments? You sir are the one who brought up the issue.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Mr Perfect and JoeBigs, please stop bickering.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Obuchi spent most of her campaign making 10-minute stump speeches 30 to 40 times per day. She thanked her supporters for giving her another chance.

Check all elected people's background. A majority are Nisei (Second generation) and Sansei (Third Generation) elected politicians.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

First off the Left couldn't even muster enough votes to dethrown Abe, But they also lost one of the big guns Kaieda.

A big gun? Hardly. He was a lightweight doomed to lose no matter how bad the LDP are. Japan's (feeble) opposition forces are better off without him. Anyway, what about "big guns" on the Right like Shintaro Ishihara and the Party for Future Generations going from 20 Diet members to 2? They've been wiped out while leftist and centrist parties have actually taken advantage of an opportunity to gain seats they wouldn't have had if Abe had waited until 2016.

Kaieda the same man who went to China and bowed before emperor Xi not a few months ago. Wonder how his friends in Communist China are feeling today?

Indifferent, probably. Or possibly pleased that there is now the prospect of someone competent taking his place. Oh wait a minute, it's the DPJ we're talking about.

You may be happy about Ishihara but not being able to win against Abe is even worse, that taste in your mouth is due to the Japanese people supporting Abe, that taste is called bile.

About 24% of the Japanese people, if I've read correctly - and I think a fair percentage of them only opted for the LDP because there really weren't any better choices on offer.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@turbotsatDEC. 15, 2014 - 12:18PM JST toshiko: Hope Ishihara goes back to write novels. Once upon a time, he was the top novelist in Japan. If you set up a Kickstarter page for his next novel maybe he'd try it again.

He used to puvlish youth oriented liove novels. My guess is he probably wanted to retire from political life. He began with LDP. His siblings are different than him. time to retire and write youtg ie=riented novels? He had to be close to young sters.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

YEAH! Ishihara is out!!! He lost his seat!!! And Ishikawa, the gay candidate, WON!!! YEAH. There is hope for Japan! And it shows that the Ishihara types are really few and far between. Their type of nationalism is rancid, and I hope Abe takes not of this. Ishihara's party only won 2 seats (down from 20). Japan is not going to swing to the far right.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@turbotsatDEC. 15, 2014 - 12:18PM JST toshiko: Hope Ishihara goes back to write novels. Once upon a time, he was the top novelist in Japan. If you set up a Kickstarter page for his next novel maybe he'd try it again.

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No, not such none money majing system. He has ties with Bungei Shunju, ShinChou, Gemdaii, Chuou Kouron, etc/His Taiyou no Kisetxu is still selling. He is a beginner like you suggested. Reputable publishers are lininh up now. Not just novels but political commnets conytibuters.

I did not like his type of nnovels but he wa the best seller once upon a time. I doubt very much he will use a he will write like an amatuer. Sorry to your suggestion.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@toshiko

I pictured him as reluctant to go back to writing, and a Kickstarter page by his fans as a push to get him back. I guess his time is a lot more valuable than any money he'd get back from writing, unless he's got more campaign debt than he can cover.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This morning is a beautiful one and it has gotten even more beautiful hearing the news that Banri Kaieda got the big boot!

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Whatever you make think of Abe---I don't like the man--- you have to marvel at the hit job he did on the competition; Ishihara, Watanabe Yoshimi, Kaeda and Kan.

They did give him a lot of help.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Taro Aso won in Fukuioka 8. Then Kunoi Hatiyama won in Fukuoka 6

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Don't celebrate Ishihara's loss until he actually lives up to a promise for a change and resigns

Well smith, he just announced his retirement. But this was de-facto announced on December 2nd when he himself listed his name at the very bottom of the proportional representation list.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Mr. Perfect Dec. 15, 2014 - 12:36PM JST On her dead fathers coat-tails. If her last name hadn't been Obuchi she never would have gotten a seat in the first place.

Okay this is getting real strange, you state that in your opinion if her last name wasn't Obuchi she never would have gotten a seat in the first place. But then you get offended when I state exactly what you said.

Very strange.....

Tell me, do you think that Hilary Clinton has gotten this far because who she was married to or because of her own accomplishments?

What I find funny and very hypocritical is that many men and women on the Left have used their family name and connections to get far and you guys on the Left don't say squat about it. But, when a women on the Right of spectrum does the same thing as a man or women on the Left you Leftists start calling her names and demeaning her.

Now, why is that?

Before you start trying to squirm out of this please reread your post......

Mr. PerfectDec. 15, 2014 - 12:36PM JST On her dead fathers coat-tails. If her last name hadn't been Obuchi she never would have gotten a seat in the first place.

Tell me, does this seem a bit hypocritical to you or is it just me?

If I would have said

Joe_BiggsDec. 15, 2014 - 12:36PM JST On her dead Husbands coat-tails. If her last name hadn't been Clinton she never would have gotten a seat in the first place.

What would you be calling me?

If you don't see the hypocrisy in your post then you are blinded by your own hypocrisy. Because everyone who is anyone in politics has used someone to get where they are today.

If you think I am insulting you then you haven't read your own post. Using a connection to get ahead is exactly what everyone in business and politics does.

Really, please try harder.........

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Obuchi spent most of her campaign making 10-minute stump speeches 30 to 40 times per day.'

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I am very sure she will be not be like a member of Diet member who sleep during debate session.

Gunma people know she resigned to take responsibility of kouenkai bookkeeping problem that is not her fault.

Two female took responsibilty and resigned. And they are reelected. Not because women power but Japanese people realize women politicians are not like many lazy or irresponsible men politicians. Congratulation for both of them, Voters know they can depend on them.

-4 ( +10 / -14 )

It is a sweet day indeed.

First off the Left couldn't even muster enough votes to dethrown Abe, But they also lost one of the big guns Kaieda. Kaieda the same man who went to China and bowed before emperor Xi not a few months ago. Wonder how his friends in Communist China are feeling today?

Say goodbye to Article 9, that bottle of champagne will be popped this coming year!

Out with the antiquated in with the future!

This was one sweet victory for the Right, next stop 2016 and the White House, house and Senate. Out with the left!

Mr. PerfectDec. 15, 2014 - 12:36PM JST On her dead fathers coat-tails. If her last name hadn't been Obuchi she never would have gotten a seat in the first place.

Of course she had nothing to do with her own victory, it had everything to do with her father's name. Typical Liberal anti-strong Women stance.

StrangerlandDec. 15, 2014 - 08:24AM JST Ishihara losing almost makes this election worth while.

Almost, is the keyword isn't it. You may be happy about Ishihara but not being able to win against Abe is even worse, that taste in your mouth is due to the Japanese people supporting Abe, that taste is called bile. Bitter sweet comes to mind, bitter sweet.... :)

GWDec. 15, 2014 - 12:48PM JST I don't know whether to laugh or cry, I guess a bit of both.

PM Abe laid down his gauntlet and the left failed to remove him. Shōchū helps, enjoy. I like mine with lots of lemon and soda, try it you may like it...:)

Simon FostonDec. 15, 2014 - 09:04AM JST On the other hand, the Communists doubled the number of seats they have and the DPJ did actually gain 11 seats themselves. I'd be surprised if you were thrilled about that. But yes, Kaieda was useless and would have had to go even if he had got re-elected.

Like a dragon fearing a gnat, I too could careless about the Communist chances in Japan. 6.1% means nothing and is nothing, anyone that tells you any different is lying or exaggerating.

It is a great day indeed!

This is just a taste of what the left should expect in the coming elects!

Cheers all, tonight I am heading to my favorite shot bar to celebrate!

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Ishihara's defeat is perhaps the only good news that came from this election!

It really bugs me when people get off on Ishihara and Hashimoto losing. Ishihara used to be a xenophobe, yes... used to be. Now he wants more immigration into Japan to preserve the Japanese population. Hashimoto got caught in two major gaffes, saying public servants have no private life, and that every army used "comfort women." Guess what, both comments were taken out of context. At least Ishihara and Hashimoto have conviction. Both could have made a lot more money off private enterprise, especially Hashimoto.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Ishihara should have been put out to pasture a long time ago. It's nice to see that at least some of the voters here have their heads on straight.

I am glad Obuchi is back. If she is even 1/3 of what her father was like Japan has a brighter future down the road.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

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