Hiromasa Ototake is certain to lose the election, “I feel responsible” for the Tokyo 15th Ward special election for the House of Representatives Support candidate for governor Yuriko Koike faces consecutive defeats, hurt for third term: Tokyo Shimbun TOKYO Web

In the by-election for Tokyo’s 15th Ward of the House of Representatives held on the 28th, Hiromasa Ototake (48), an independent newcomer who was supported by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, was confirmed to lose the election immediately after voting closed at 8 p.m.

For Governor Koike, this was a defeat for the candidate he supported, following the election for mayor of Meguro Ward in Tokyo, which was counted on the 21st. This was a blow to Governor Koike, who was trying to solidify her foothold in this summer’s third gubernatorial election, which is considered a strong candidate.

◆Governor Koike calls him a “very satisfied human resources”…

“I feel responsible for this outcome. I am sorry.” At his office, Mr. Ototake apologized to executives of the Democratic Party of Japan and Tokyo Metropolitan Council members from the Tokyo Citizens First Association. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who appeared on the streets many times during the campaign, was nowhere to be seen.

He categorically stated that he had “no regrets” in contesting as an independent, setting himself apart from the Liberal Democratic Party, whose nomination was being discussed. However, from the beginning of the election campaign, he lost momentum due to issues such as past women’s issues. Loser said, “I want to look back on it after the numbers are ready.”

During the election campaign, Governor Koike appealed to Ototake, who has a disability, by referring to his book, saying, “Although he is not physically fit, he is a person that voters will be very happy with,” but he was unable to make up for the deficit.

Mr. Ototake said that on the 27th, the final day of the campaign, Governor Koike called out to him and said, “Thank you for your hard work.” He expressed his gratitude, saying, “When we rode together in the campaign car, I felt very encouraged.I am grateful.” He said only that he has “nothing in mind” about the future. (Mayuko Watanabe)