Woman strips on national television broadcast for votes in Japan election
In a bold bid for votes ahead of Tokyo’s gubernatorial election, one candidate made waves by shedding more than just light on her policies during her televised campaign speech.
As she addressed the nation, Uchino Airi took campaign theatrics to a whole new level when she started undressing during the broadcast.
【政見放送】東京都知事候補･内野愛里
こういうパターンは初めてやな。服まで脱いじゃって。正直ちょっと興奮したけど。どこかの国会議員が秘書として雇ってくれるんじゃないの？ だとすれば供託金300万円は安いかもしれんね。木原誠二事務所とか行きそう#内野愛里 #政見放送 pic.twitter.com/KwVDVjbXgs
— 先輩のハト .. (@senpai_birds__) June 27, 2024
She even asked viewers if they thought she was sexy and invited them to add her on the messaging app LINE, promising to respond to each message personally.
After unbuttoning her blouse, Ms Uchino delivered the rest of her speech in a nude-coloured tube top.
Political stunt goes viral
The political stunt quickly became the talk of the town.
Clips of the unconventional speech spread like wildfire, garnering over 4 million views and counting on X.
One post, which features only images, has over 18 million views.
Source: @Iumo13 on X
In response, numerous Japanese netizens expressed disbelief and embarrassment that such an incident occurred during a political broadcast in their country.
Some even questioned how such a spectacle could have been permitted.
Why did she do it?
Jeffrey Hall, a Kanda University of International Studies lecturer, provided insights into Ms Uchino’s stunt on a thread on X.
Source: @Iumo13 on X
In a YouTube video, he explained that during highly visible open elections, many fringe candidates utilise political advertisement slots and broadcast airtime to execute attention-grabbing stunts.
These antics range from advocating anti-war or anti-immigration causes to simply seeking personal fame.
Mr Hall noted that such candidates typically do not vie for victory but rather aim to dominate public attention.
He also mentioned that Ms Uchino is associated with the NHK Party.
During a recent debate among lesser-known candidates, she declared her intention to appoint Party leader Takashi Tachibana as Tokyo’s deputy governor.
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Featured image adapted from @Iumo13 on X.
