Toshihiro Nikai, secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, met with senior officials of the Tokyo chapter at the party's headquarters on Monday to discuss Gov. Yuriko Koike seeking reelection in the July 5 gubernatorial election. Nikai intends to support Koike, forcing the chapter, which has yet to decide on its course of action, to make a decision ahead of the June 18 public notice of the election.
The meeting was attended by Tokyo chapter chairman Ichiro Kamoshita and its secretary general Naoki Takashima, among others. According to those in attendance, Nikai pointed out the inability of the Tokyo chapter to field its own candidate, saying: "Time is running out. I hope they will be prepared to be flexible in the future, no matter what kind of candidate runs for office."
Nikai's remarks were made in light of Koike's decision to announce her candidacy on or after June 10. Nikai has expressed his support for Koike's reelection at press conferences and other events, in recognition of her abilities. He is scheduled to meet with her on Wednesday and they are expected to discuss the governor's race.
While the Tokyo chapter said it was aware of Nikai's intentions at the meeting, at a press conference afterward, Nikai said: "It is the people of Tokyo who will hold the election, and it is largely up to the power of the chapter. I would like to see the Tokyo chapter decide on its opinion first," calling on it to speed up the process of gathering opinions.
In the 2017 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections, the LDP's Tokyo chapter suffered a heavy defeat to Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites first group), a regional party led by Koike. They are expected to once again battle it out in next year's Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections. If the Tokyo chapter were to support Koike in the gubernatorial election while also fighting in the metropolitan assembly race, it would be difficult to gain the understanding of its supporters.
In the Tokyo chapter's discussions so far, the dominant view has been opposition to Koike's reelection. After the meeting with Nikai, Kamoshita briefly said that he had confirmed arrangements to be able to make a decision immediately.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
