The recent House of Representatives election in Kagawa's 1st district was a highly contested affair between Yoshimi Ogawa, a former Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party, and Takeya Hirai, a former Digital Minister from the Liberal Democratic Party. The contest intensified as the vote count progressed, leading to a nail-biting climax that extended into the early hours of the next day. Although both candidates started with a nearly equal count, Ogawa ultimately triumphed by a narrow margin of only 829 votes, emphasizing the competitiveness of this election.

The aftermath of the election revealed the intense emotions of both candidates as they awaited the final results. Takeya Hirai was visibly frustrated when he received the news of his loss, while Ogawa expressed gratitude and humility upon his victory, acknowledging the challenging nature of this election. He noted that it was the toughest election he had faced in his political career of over two decades. This close electoral battle reflects the shifting political landscape in Japan, as Hirai was expected to capitalize on the recent political momentum surrounding the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The lead-up to the election was marked by significant political changes, including the departure of Komeito from the coalition government. This departure contributed to a volatile political scene, impacting both candidates' prospects. Ogawa's victory not only highlights his ability to withstand the so-called 'Takai wind'—a reference to support for Hirai—but also underscores the growing competitiveness of elections in Japan as voter sentiments evolve, creating a need for candidates to engage more directly with their constituents and adapt to their concerns.