Tokyo High Court invalidates nickname-based votes in Kamisu election

The Tokyo High Court has upheld a decision to invalidate specific votes in the 2025 Kamisu mayoral election in Ibaraki Prefecture. The dispute arose after incumbent Mayor Toshiyuki Kiuchi and challenger Susumu Ishida received an equal number of votes, leading to Kiuchi winning via a lottery.

The court ruled that two votes containing the handwritten phrases ‘manjuya’ (sweet bun shop) and ‘dangosan’ (dumpling shop) were invalid. Kiuchi, who noted he is the son of a traditional Japanese confectionery maker and is often referred to by such nicknames by citizens, expressed deep regret over the ruling. He stated that his arguments were not accepted and is currently consulting with lawyers regarding a potential appeal to the Supreme Court.

Susumu Ishida described the court's decision as a ‘natural result’ that aligned with the previous determination by the Ibaraki Prefectural Election Administration Commission. Ishida suggested that further legal action might exceed the patience of the citizens.