Photo/Illutration Shinji Ishimaru speaks after finishing second in the Tokyo gubernatorial election on July 7. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Shinji Ishimaru, the surprise runner-up in the Tokyo gubernatorial election, announced on Nov. 12 that he plans to keep the momentum going by forming a regional political party.

The party's candidates will run in the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election to be held next summer. 

Ishimaru, 42, the former mayor of Akitakata, Hiroshima Prefecture, announced the party's formation on the evening of Nov. 12 on his YouTube channel. He also told viewers that he will hold a news conference in December.

“The stage is Tokyo. The time is next July. If you want to become a Tokyo metropolitan assembly member, please be ready,” Ishimaru said on his YouTube channel, recruiting candidates to run under his party banner. 

He also said he believes that many people started paying attention to Tokyo politics because he ran for governor, so he wants to provide an outlet for their interest.

However, he didn’t say whether he would run in the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election.

Ishimaru started his career as a bank employee before running for Akitakata mayor.

He garnered about 1.66 million votes in the Tokyo gubernatorial election held on July 7.

He was unable to oust incumbent Yuriko Koike, who secured her third term as governor by capturing about 2.92 million votes.

However, Ishimaru finished second ahead of former Upper House member Renho, who had support from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and collected about 1.28 million votes.

The Tokyo metropolitan assembly has 127 seats and the term of office runs until July 22 next year.

Of the current 123 assembly members, the Liberal Democratic Party accounts for the most with 29 members, followed by Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First) with 27 members and Komeito with 23 members.

Related News