In the recent House of Representatives elections for Oita's 3rd district, former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya managed to secure his 11th term, although he saw a drop of nearly 30,000 votes compared to the last election in 2024. This election was marked by the emergence of four new candidates who rallied against burial practices, notably calling for opposition to local burial site proposals. Iwaya's perspective on this issue, as articulated during the campaign, reflects a balance between cultural considerations and the rights of foreign residents, stating that there should be national involvement in decisions impacting the rights of immigrants in Japan.

Iwaya's campaign strategy involved addressing the controversial topic of burial sites, especially in relation to the rights of foreign residents. He highlighted the responsibility of national authorities in managing these sensitive cultural issues while simultaneously trying to mitigate perceptions of him as a proponent of traditional burial practices. The opposition candidates emphasized their stance against burial practices, potentially drawing a portion of the electorate concerned about cultural integration and the implications of increasing diversity in burial options.

Overall, this election shines a light on the complexities surrounding immigration and cultural coexistence in Japan, particularly regarding how these issues intersect with traditional practices. Iwaya's victory, despite the vote reduction, can be attributed to his established political roots and core support base, showing that while new candidates may gain traction, incumbency and historical support continue to play significant roles in Japanese electoral politics.