In the Aichi electoral district for the House of Councillors election (4 seats up for election), Junko Sugimoto (47), a newcomer from the Sanseito Party, has won her first term.

This marks the first time the Sanseito Party has secured a national-level seat in Aichi Prefecture, including both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.

Sugimoto campaigned under the slogan “Japanese First,” which gathered significant support.

Other winners in the Aichi electoral district include incumbent Tsuneyuki Sakai from the Liberal Democratic Party, incumbent Maiko Tajima from the Constitutional Democratic Party, and newcomer Koichi Mizuno from the Democratic Party for the People.

House of Councillors

The **House of Councillors** is the upper house of Japan’s National Diet (parliament), established in 1947 under the post-World War II Constitution. It replaced the pre-war House of Peers and serves as a deliberative body with the power to review and amend legislation passed by the lower house, the House of Representatives. Members are elected through a mixed system of proportional representation and regional districts, with staggered six-year terms ensuring continuity.

Sanseito Party

The Sanseito Party, also known as the **Third Way Political Party**, is a minor political group in Japan that emerged in the 2020s, advocating for centrist and reformist policies. It positions itself as an alternative to Japan’s dominant parties, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), focusing on issues like political transparency and social welfare. While still small in influence, it reflects growing public interest in new political movements outside traditional party lines.

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a vibrant region known for its industrial prowess, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is home to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, and historic sites like Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 by the Tokugawa shogunate. Aichi is also famous for traditional crafts such as Seto pottery and for hosting the 2005 World Expo, showcasing its blend of modernity and tradition.

House of Representatives

The **House of Representatives** is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established in 1789 under the Constitution. It is composed of elected representatives from all 50 states, with seats allocated based on population, and plays a key role in drafting and passing federal legislation. Along with the Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the U.S. government, ensuring a balance of power between states and the federal system.

Liberal Democratic Party

The **Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)** is Japan’s dominant political party, founded in 1955 through the merger of conservative groups. It has governed almost continuously since its creation, playing a key role in Japan’s post-war economic growth and political stability. The LDP is known for its pro-business policies, close ties with the U.S., and occasional nationalist stances.

Constitutional Democratic Party

The Constitutional Democratic Party (Kadets) was a liberal political party in the Russian Empire, founded in 1905 during the revolutionary period. It advocated for a constitutional monarchy, civil rights, and democratic reforms, playing a key role in the short-lived Dumas before being banned by the Bolsheviks after the 1917 Revolution. The party represented intellectuals, professionals, and moderate reformers but ultimately failed to establish lasting influence amid Russia’s turbulent transition from tsarism to communism.

Democratic Party for the People

The Democratic Party for the People (国民民主党, Kokumin Minshutō) is a Japanese political party founded in 2018 through a merger of the Democratic Party and the Party of Hope. It positions itself as a centrist to center-left party, advocating for constitutional reform, social welfare, and economic stability. The party has struggled to gain significant influence, often overshadowed by larger parties like the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP).