Election posters (1)

Dear readers, a couple of weeks ago, when I shared my first Yamanote Line photo diary, I promised to dedicate a future story to the ever-present election posters. So here they are. Ernest faces, awkward and goofy poses, fake smiles, they span the full spectrum of campaign theatrics.

When election time approaches, each electoral district sets up large boards where candidates can put up their posters. But some politicians have no qualms about sticking their posters anywhere they find a free surface.

On private homes - hopefully with those people’s consent.

On commercial streets.

Or next to other posters.

Even the current Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, doesn’t shy away from this practice.

Koike (Tokyo’s first female governor) has held the office since August 1, 2016 and was most recently re‑elected for her third term on July 7, 2024, securing approximately 42.8% of the vote.

She previously served as a national politician and held cabinet roles (Environment Minister 2003–2006; Defense Minister briefly in 2007).

Let’s have a look at her poster. Instead of spelling her own name is giant letters, she stylishly put her handwritten sign on the lower left corner. “For a government that puts people first!” cries her slogan. We strongly doubt her sincerity.

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