The article discusses the role of social media in the recent historic electoral victory of the LDP in Japan, particularly highlighting the popularity of Takaichi through the 'oshi activity' campaign.
The article explores the significant win of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the recent House of Representatives election, attributing part of their success to the effective use of social media, particularly through movements like 'oshi activity' which centers on popular political figures. For this election, Takaichi Sanae was a standout figure, with her personal approval soaring and helping to secure an increase in LDP seats. While such methods enhance individual popularity, they risk undermining the party’s traditional strengths which rely heavily on organizational support.
In an exit poll conducted by Asahi Shimbun on the election day, it was revealed that 48% of those who supported Takaichi's cabinet voted for the LDP in the proportional representation section. This percentage was similar to past elections, but the support rate for Takaichi’s cabinet reached an impressive 75%, significantly higher than previous leaders, indicating that personal popularity can translate into electoral gains. This rise in support for Takaichi suggests that her individual appeal is a driving factor behind the LDP's electoral performance.
Social media's influence was evident during the campaign; Takaichi's speeches and smiling photos were widely circulated alongside positive comments and hashtags like '#TakaichiSanae' and '#Sanakatsu'. There were even instances of high school girls distributing flyers featuring her image, demonstrating a grassroots enthusiasm for her candidacy. However, the article raises concerns about the fleeting nature of this social media fame and how it may challenge the foundational structures of the LDP going forward, suggesting that while personal charisma can mobilize voters, it might not be a sustainable strategy for party resilience.
