Exposing Buttocks and Saying "Please Pick Me"... Incomprehensible Japanese Election Culture

Causing Controversy with Inappropriate Attire During Election Campaign
Candidate Personally Apologizes as Backlash Grows

On the 27th, the 50th Japanese House of Representatives election was held, and controversy arose after some female staff members of certain lawmakers were seen assisting with election campaigns while wearing short bottoms. On the 29th, Japan's Fuji TV reported that women campaigning alongside Masafumi Tabuchi, a doctor running as an independent candidate in Tokyo's 26th district, appealed for support wearing inappropriate attire, causing a stir. Ultimately, Tabuchi lost the election amid the controversy.

Local media pointed out that "they are trying to gain votes through inappropriate methods" and called for measures to be taken. A photo posted on X showed a woman wearing a fluorescent jumper holding campaign flyers while wearing a white miniskirt, captured from behind. However, the skirt was so short that part of her buttocks was visible.

One female staff member participating in Tabuchi's campaign even posted on her X account a photo of herself appealing for support to citizens while wearing fishnet stockings. In this case as well, the shorts she wore were so short that her buttocks were exposed. Seeing the somewhat provocative outfits, netizens reacted with comments such as "Are they trying to get votes from perverts?", "This is an insult to the people," and "Are they campaigning or promoting a business?" One netizen even commented, "I voted for Tabuchi after seeing the passion of the campaign staff."

As the controversy grew, Tabuchi apologized, saying, "We decided to wear light green jumpers during the campaign, but there were no specific regulations regarding bottoms. I reflect on not managing the campaign staff properly, including the exposure of buttocks." On the other hand, a female staff member who participated in Tabuchi's campaign said, "There was no special meaning behind it; it was simply because it was hot," and added, "I judged there was no problem since I usually wore fishnet stockings."