Author Otodake of "Ochebulmanjok" involved in scandal with 5 affairs ultimately loses election

'Adultery Scandal' Controversy Hinders Until the End... Strong Local Backlash
Nomination Reversed Due to Adultery in 2016 as Well... Koike's Influence Also Under Scrutiny

Hirotada Otodake, the author of 'Ochebulmanjok' who made headlines by running in the Tokyo 15th district House of Representatives by-election, ultimately lost. Among the nine candidates, he ranked 5th, a disappointing result compared to his recognition, with reports suggesting that his scandalous extramarital affair continued to be an issue until the end.

On the 29th, Japanese media including NHK reported that Otodake, who ran as an independent, received 19,655 votes and placed 5th out of 9 candidates in the Tokyo 15th district House of Representatives by-election, resulting in his defeat. In this district, opposition candidate Natsumi Sakai from the Constitutional Democratic Party succeeded in her first election.

Although Otodake ran as an independent, he is effectively classified as a pro-government figure aligned with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This is because he belongs to the Tokyo regional party 'Tomin First no Kai,' where Governor Yuriko Koike, a former LDP member, serves as a special advisor. On the 2nd, the LDP held a press conference announcing that they planned to endorse independent candidate Otodake. Since the by-election was held due to the resignation of an incumbent LDP lawmaker amid illegal campaign finance allegations, the LDP decided to withhold official nomination as a sign of taking responsibility. Instead, they put forward Otodake, a pro-government figure, aiming to effectively maintain LDP influence.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike (right) is campaigning in support of Hirotada Otodake. (Photo by NHK)

Otodake emphasized his congenital limb deficiency disability and campaigned under the slogan of "a society where everyone can receive support," pledging to reduce consumption tax and expand welfare. Governor Koike supported Otodake both materially and morally, campaigning for him on 9 out of 12 days during the election period, but ultimately, this did not translate into significant gains.

Japanese media pointed out that his extramarital affair scandal continued to hold him back. Originally, the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito were seeking to collaborate with Governor Koike’s camp. If Koike had selected a candidate, the LDP and Komeito planned to support that candidate wholeheartedly to secure victory. However, Koike repeatedly withheld the candidate’s identity and suddenly announced Otodake at a regular briefing, stating, "He is a person suitable to be a game changer for Japan. We approached him first about running."

Toshimitsu Motegi, LDP Secretary-General, also announced that they planned to endorse Otodake, but strong opposition reportedly arose locally. NHK reported, "Locally, it became known that Otodake had supported a candidate other than the LDP candidate in the April Tokyo Koto Ward mayoral election," and "there was also backlash because Otodake had previously tried to run as an LDP candidate but was put on hold due to an extramarital affair scandal." In fact, the LDP had planned to nominate Otodake for the 2016 House of Councillors election, but canceled after revelations that he had extramarital affairs with five women during his marriage.

Otodake Hirotada is expressing his thoughts after the election defeat. (Photo by NHK)

Additionally, local LDP and Komeito lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Koike chose Otodake without prior coordination; why should we endorse him?" Despite Koike stepping in to protect Otodake by saying, "Otodake is continuing a sincere life to never repeat such mistakes (extramarital affairs)," the LDP ultimately declared a suspension of candidate endorsement for Otodake.

Otodake’s defeat has been analyzed as a red light for Governor Koike’s re-election bid in the upcoming July gubernatorial election. Koike failed to secure even the ruling party’s candidate endorsement, and the candidate she put forward failed to win, which only demonstrated her diminished influence. The Tokyo Shimbun pointed out, "There are now talks within political circles that relying solely on Koike’s popularity has reached its limit."

Meanwhile, Otodake stated, "(The election loss) was due to my own shortcomings. I feel a deep sense of responsibility," and added, "Since the result is everything, I have no choice but to accept defeat at this point. I am truly sorry for not meeting the expectations of everyone who supported me."