Mr. Kagoshiro (center) celebrating his confirmed victory with supporters around 8:10 PM at a conference room in Nishi Ward, Yokohama

The 27th House of Councillors election held its voting and ballot counting on the 20th. Around 8:00 PM that evening, when it was reported that rookie candidate Akihiro Kagoshiro (36) of the Democratic Party for the People had secured his victory, applause and cheers erupted from supporters at a conference room in Nishi Ward, Yokohama. Having achieved his long-cherished goal of winning his first seat in the Kanagawa electoral district, he expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “This wonderful result is thanks to everyone who supported me. I am deeply grateful.” Tears welled up in his eyes.

Mr. Kagoshiro (second from right) receiving a bouquet after his victory was confirmed around 8:10 PM at a conference room in Nishi Ward, Yokohama

Following the decision to field him for the House of Councillors election, the party saw significant gains in last autumn’s House of Representatives election. The local party branch initially aimed for Kagoshiro to secure a high-ranking position, but the situation shifted due to internal party confusion over proportional representation candidates. The emergence of new political forces overlapping with their support base further complicated the campaign, making it difficult to gain momentum even after the official announcement. Nevertheless, intensified efforts, including five visits to the prefecture by party leader Yuichiro Tamaki after the 12th, ultimately paid off.

“I will devote my heart and soul to meeting the expectations of Kanagawa residents who want to change the current politics and work tirelessly to build a Japan that our children can be proud of,” said Kagoshiro. His deep tan, once the result of neglecting sunscreen because it was “too much trouble,” had finally become a badge of honor.

Mr. Kagoshiro greeting supporters after his victory was confirmed around 8:05 PM at a conference room in Nishi Ward, Yokohama

Akihiro Kagoshiro Raised in Yokohama’s Tsuzuki and Aoba wards, he spent his childhood catching insects and reptiles in nearby mountains. His political aspirations were shaped during his time as an agricultural ministry official in France, where he became acutely aware of Japan’s low wage levels. He admires Shintaro Ishihara and counts “Season of the Sun” among his favorite books. He is actively involved in raising his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. Currently resides in Aoba Ward, Yokohama. Age 36.

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 Imperial Diet’s 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 regional and proportional representation, with staggered six-year terms ensuring continuity.

Democratic Party for the People

The **Democratic Party for the People (国民民主党, Kokumin Minshutō)** is a centrist political party in Japan, established in 2018 through a merger of members from the **Democratic Party** and the **Party of Hope**. It advocates for constitutional reform, social welfare, and a balanced approach to security and diplomacy. The party has positioned itself as a moderate alternative to Japan’s dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) but has struggled to gain significant electoral traction.

Kanagawa electoral district

The Kanagawa electoral district is a political constituency in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, part of the country’s proportional representation system for the House of Representatives. Established under Japan’s electoral reforms, it plays a key role in national elections, reflecting the region’s urban and industrial significance. Kanagawa, home to cities like Yokohama and Kawasaki, has historically been a politically competitive area with diverse voter demographics.

House of Representatives

The **House of Representatives** is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established in 1789 under the Constitution. It consists of 435 elected members who represent congressional districts based on population, with seats reapportioned every decade. Alongside the Senate, it plays a key role in drafting and passing federal legislation, reflecting the principle of proportional representation in American democracy.

Nishi Ward, Yokohama

Nishi Ward is a vibrant district in Yokohama, Japan, known for its mix of residential areas, commercial hubs, and cultural attractions. Historically, it developed as part of Yokohama’s rapid urbanization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with landmarks like the Yokohama Stadium and the bustling shopping district around JR Negishi Station. Today, it blends modern amenities with traces of its past, including historic temples and proximity to the city’s iconic waterfront.

Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama

Tsuzuki Ward is a residential and commercial district in Yokohama, Japan, established in 1994 as part of the city’s administrative reorganization. Known for its modern urban planning, it features parks, shopping centers, and convenient transportation links. The area has grown rapidly, blending suburban living with green spaces like the Tsuzuki Forest Park, reflecting Yokohama’s expansion and development in recent decades.

Aoba Ward, Yokohama

Aoba Ward in Yokohama is a vibrant residential and commercial area known for its green spaces, upscale neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. Historically, it developed as a suburban expansion of Yokohama in the 20th century, with landmarks like the Mitsuzawa Stadium and the historic Tsunashima area. Today, it blends modern amenities with natural beauty, including parks like Aoba Park and the scenic Ooka River.

Season of the Sun

“Season of the Sun” (太陽の季節, *Taiyō no Kisetsu*) is a 1956 Japanese novel by Shintaro Ishihara that later inspired films and cultural works. The story explores post-war Japanese youth rebellion, hedonism, and societal disillusionment, reflecting the shifting values in 1950s Japan. Its title became a cultural shorthand for a generation’s defiance and the clash between tradition and modernity.