PRESS CONFERENCE
Akiko Kamei, Member of the House of Representatives, 
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan

11:00- 12:00 Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation

Can the LDP Be Beaten?

Akiko Kamei, of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) scored a major upset when she defeated her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) rival in the conservative stronghold of Shimane Prefecture on April 28.

Kamei’s victory, after a three-year political hiatus, was a personal triumph and also served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the ruling LDP, as it tries to rebuild public trust from a string of scandals. 

A former lower house member, Kamei’s political lineage is noteworthy. Her father, a former director general of the now-defunct National Land Agency, was also a member of the LDP. This background has undoubtedly shaped her political views and approach.

Her victory comes as the LDP remains under intense scrutiny. The party's factions had been accused of neglecting to report income from fundraising parties and maintaining slush funds for years. These allegations have raised serious questions about the party's transparency and integrity.

Shimane Prefecture is the home territory of former Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita, a legendary LDP kingmaker and a major force in Japanese politics in the postwar era.  Kamei told Kyodo News afterwards that her victory sends a "big message" to the ruling LDP. She will discuss her vision for the future at the FCCJ - and her second political act.
 

How to attend: 
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions attendance will be limited. Doors open 15 minutes before the event. Please sign in and giving your name and contact details at the reception. 

How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live 
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel. 

How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/gnDsYdt3QM8fAb557
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form.

TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. 

 

Professional Activities Committee