The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #23: Writer and Disability Activist Hirotada Ototake Speaking After Conceding Tokyo By-Election

By Barrier Free Japan

May 1 2024

TOKYO – Author of ‘No One’s Perfect’, Hirotada Ototake who ran as an independent in Tokyo’s 15th district in a by-election for a seat in House of Representatives on Sunday 28th April, came in fifth, about 30,000 votes behind the winner.

Ototake appeared at his campaign office three minutes after voting ended at 8PM on April 28th and announced:

“I am simply not good enough. I am grateful for the support of so many of you and I am sorry for this result.”

When asked about his future plans, including a second national election run, he said with a wry smile, “I’m exhausted, so let me think about it for a bit.”

In a post on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, Ototake stated on April 28th:

“I was unsuccessful this time. I blame it all on my own lack of ability.

I am truly sorry to all of you who supported me.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to so many people for their support.

I feel regretful and sorry that I was unable to meet your expectations and convey the thoughts you entrusted to me to national politics.

I haven’t decided what my future plans are yet, but I would like to think about it in consultation with those who have supported me.”

Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/29/writer-and-disability-activist-hirotada-ototake-speaking-after-conceding-tokyo-by-election/