Do You Know the Politician 'Super Crazy Gun' from a Japanese Club?

'Choosing a Young Candidate' Miyazaki Prefecture Governor Election Candidacy
Teen Sent as Bosozoku... Receiving Controversy and Attention Simultaneously

Mr. Makoto Nishimoto campaigning. (Photo by Makoto Nishimoto SNS)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Japan held elections on the 25th to choose mayors and current governors. Amidst a large number of well-known politicians, including former governors from the Liberal Democratic Party, Japanese media focused on Makoto Nishimoto, an independent candidate born in 1986, nicknamed the 'Super Crazy Gun.' He is a figure who spent his teenage years as a bosozoku (motorcycle gang member) and worked at a club in Ginza, Tokyo, gaining attention and controversy simultaneously due to his unusual background and unconventional promotional methods that differ from traditional political norms.

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 26th, Nishimoto ran for governor of Miyazaki Prefecture with the catchphrase "Choose a younger candidate." The candidate name 'Super Crazy Gun' is a nickname from his teenage bosozoku days, and he registered this nickname instead of his real name on the voter list. To register this name on the voter list, he initially ran under the party name 'Super Crazy Gun' and later persistently requested the election commission to approve the use of this candidate name, which was eventually granted.

Nishimoto first gained fame when he ran in the 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election. In an interview with the Asahi Shimbun, he explained his decision to enter politics: "At that time, I was working at a club in Ginza, Tokyo, where many customers were politicians or second-generation politicians," and added, "I thought that if someone like me ran, voter turnout might increase." Nishimoto, who grew up under yakuza parents and spent his teenage years as a bosozoku, entered politics by promoting his story of working at a Ginza club. He campaigned wearing a white special attack uniform with blonde hair, performing rap and dance.

While his unconventional approach attracted attention, it also drew considerable criticism. Nishimoto, who drove a campaign vehicle modified from a Mercedes-Benz, was often accused of "mocking politics" and trying to attract attention through sensational performances rather than policies.

Campaign pledge of Mr. Nishimoto Makoto registered in the Miyazaki Prefecture gubernatorial election public notice. The candidate name "Super Crazy Gun" is also used in the public notice. (Photo by Miyazaki Prefecture Election Commission, Japan)

This time, he returned to his hometown Miyazaki to run for governor. His reason for running is that "there is no one in Miyazaki for the younger generation to choose." To appeal to young voters, his campaign promises included free hospital treatment for children, support for children's learning subsidies, and free school meals.

In fact, political apathy among the younger generation has become a social issue in Japan. According to a public opinion poll conducted by Japan Election.com from November 12 to 13 targeting those aged 18 and older, the age distribution of respondents showed 31.4% in their 70s, 23.7% in their 60s, and 15.8% in their 50s, while only 1.1% were in their 20s and 1.3% in their 30s. This contrasts with South Korea, where people in their 20s and 30s typically make up about 10-15% of respondents.

However, he seems to have not progressed beyond being a 'topic of interest.' According to the final vote count by the election commission, out of 503,139 voters in Miyazaki Prefecture, Nishimoto received 7,679 votes, accounting for 1.5% of the vote. Nevertheless, on social networking services (SNS), especially among Japanese people in their 20s and 30s, 'proof shots' showing votes for Nishimoto were posted, and his name appeared in real-time popular search terms. It appears he has somewhat achieved his goal of attracting the younger generation. According to the Asahi Shimbun, he plans to continue his political activities in his hometown Miyazaki.

After the election results were announced, Nishimoto removed his special attack uniform and posted on his SNS in a suit, saying, "I thank everyone who supported me," and "I will not forget the hearts of those who voted for me among the excellent candidates and will start taking action from now on."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.