The slush fund scandal that shook the Liberal Democratic Party’s stronghold, Gifu. With the incumbent stepping down after leaving the party, a legendary four-time world karate champion was thrust into an unwinnable battle.
This single-seat district, where only one candidate can win, still hasn’t produced a clear winner. While the LDP’s prefectural branch initially saw a 10-point gap in the early stages for Mr. Wakai, the race gradually tightened into a close contest by the midway point.
Liberal Democratic Party
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is Japan’s dominant political party, founded in 1955 through the merger of conservative factions. It has governed Japan almost continuously since its creation, playing a key role in the country’s post-war economic growth and political stability. Known for its conservative and pro-business policies, the LDP has faced occasional opposition but remains a central force in Japanese politics.
Gifu
Gifu is a historic city in central Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. It was a significant center during the Sengoku period (15th–16th centuries) and is famous for Gifu Castle, which was originally built by the warlord Saitō Dōsan and later used by Oda Nobunaga as a base for unifying Japan. Today, the city is also renowned for its traditional cormorant fishing (ukai) on the Nagara River, a practice dating back over 1,300 years.
world karate champion
“World Karate Champion” is not a specific place or cultural site but rather a title awarded to top competitors in international karate tournaments. The World Karake Federation (WKF) hosts prestigious events like the Karate World Championships, where athletes compete for this honor. Karate, originating in Okinawa, Japan, became a globally recognized martial art and even debuted as an Olympic sport in 2020.
