Progressive former ward mayor declares candidacy in Tokyo gubernatorial election

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Progressive former ward mayor declares candidacy in Tokyo gubernatorial election

Former Tokyo Adachi Ward Mayor Yoshida Manzo on October 24 held a press conference to announce that he has decided to run in the Tokyo gubernatorial election next spring as a progressive independent candidate supported by the Japanese Communist Party.

Yoshida, a 59-year-old dentist, said, "In order to create a Tokyo in which people can live without increased hardships, we must depose Ishihara Shintaro from the Tokyo governorship. Ishihara is pursuing irresponsible policies by wasting tax money, outrageously intervening in education, monopolizing the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and using abusive language."

Earlier in the day, Yoshida attended an Association for Progressive Metropolitan Administration general meeting and signed a policy agreement containing three objectives:
- change the way to spend tax revenues, defend and improve residents' living conditions, welfare, medical care, education, and businesses;
- review the large-scale urban development programs that use hosting the Olympics as a pretext, and prioritize environmental protection and safety;
- defend the Constitution, the Fundamental Law of Education, and the Local Autonomy Law.

At the press conference, Yoshida stressed the need to join forces with a wide range of organizations, political parties, and people with no political affiliation and said, "I want to lead the effort to promote cooperation among residents for a change of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government."

He pointed out that because of a series of increases in taxes, medical charges, and pension and nursing care insurance premiums, more and more people suffering from illnesses cannot afford to visit hospitals due to financial difficulties.

Criticizing Governor Ishihara for wasting vast amounts of tax money under the pretext of hosting the Olympics, Yoshida said, "By changing the way to use tax revenues, I want to establish a metropolitan government that supports residents' quality of life."

Representing the JCP, which takes part in the Association for Progressive Metropolitan Administration, JCP Tokyo Metropolitan Committee Chair Wakabayashi Yoshiharu attended the press conference.
- Akahata, October 25, 2006