"Gal mama" and izakaya owner Corona, if you challenge the election

　The new coronavirus in the infection of spread, Gunma Prefecture Isesaki mayoral election and was carried out earlier this year in Maebashi discussions election. It was Corona's evil that pushed the backs of the new faces who were aiming to win each election.

　　　　　◇

　Double false eyelashes, flashy blonde hair, hot pants. Maya Kurihara (36), a mom of four children who was such a "gal fashion" until about 10 years ago. Jumpers and sash appearance of pink, Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture challenged in length election.

　I 'm from Minano Town in the northwestern part of Saitama Prefecture . I started living in Isesaki when I got married to my husband (36), an office worker I met at a club. I gave birth to my first child at the age of 23. Perhaps because of its flashy appearance, I couldn't make a "mom friend". But I didn't want to change my favorite clothes and makeup. He deepened his feelings of loneliness and even hit a child.

　I opened an internet community site to find friends. When I wrote down my feelings of self-loathing, there were mothers who had the same troubles. In 2010, I created a child-rearing circle "d ☆ i ☆ a (dia)" with such friends. Regular lunch parties and barbecues involving dads. Finally, I have a place where I can speak my true intentions.

　Sports events are held one after another in order to expand the circle of such "gal moms". The "Parenting Festival," which was held once a year from 2012, has grown to a maximum of 5,000 participants. Child-rearing-related companies exhibit and provide services such as photography and free samples. Children's fashion shows were also popular.

　When I started to think that the activities of the child-rearing circle were "complete", I heard from an acquaintance that there was an election for a city council member.

　I'm not interested in politics and I don't even know what the city council does. However, I was interested when I heard that "it seems that everyone will build a city together." First elected in the 17-year by-election . In 2019, she gave birth to a fourth child and entered the second term while balancing child-rearing.

　It was the new Corona that made the decision to be elected mayor . "The city is slow to respond" and "there is little support for child-rearing households." In September last year, I often heard such dissatisfaction and anxiety. "Citizens have never thought about city administration so far. I want to take the lead and give shape to everyone's thoughts." A colleague of the conservative parliamentary group I belonged to said, "It's still useless," but he was unwavering, saying, "Anyone will fight."

　The election campaign was the first in 12 years, with the incumbent no- vote winning at that time continuing. In the battle between the three new faces, Mr. Kurihara appealed for strengthening information dissemination in the city and enhancing child-rearing support. My fellow moms from the child-rearing circle era supported the activity.

　The mayor's election on January 17th was the runner-up with 16,331 votes. Mr. Yasuo Hiji (68), who was elected in the previous prefectural assembly, received 31,491 votes. He was almost doubled by Mr. Tatsumi, who also had the Liberal Democratic Party , the Komeito Party, and local business and industry groups. Voter turnout is the lowest ever at 30.35%. "I wasn't interested in the citizens. I lost indifference, not the other organization."

　However, I received voices such as "I went to the election for the first time in decades" and "I felt close to politics" on the streets and on SNS. I also felt the response that something might have changed. "I like to work to see everyone's smiles. What should I do for that? It's time to start" (Kohei Morioka, Shun Nakamura)

　　　　　◇

　One night at the end of last year. "Andre Candre" is an izakaya run in 2-chome, Sumiyoshi-cho, Maebashi . Satoshi Inai (38) announced that he would be elected to the city council against regular customers of the same generation.

　"Next year, we should have a big festival in Maebashi"

　"What is a festival?"

　"City Council Election Danbe"

　When asked, "It's almost time for the election," "Did you prepare?", He said, "Let's do it together." Election staff were decided on the spot.

　I only thought about the city council as "a person who attends meetings four times a year and is free to do the rest. I don't know what I'm doing", but since I was the student council president in high school, I vaguely thought about running for candidacy. There was a thing. It was Corona's evil that made me decide.

　The food and beverage industry is becoming more difficult across the board. Fellow stores may also be closed. What will happen to me? There is no restaurant owner in the incumbent city council.

　"What will happen to Maebashi from now on? I have no choice but to appeal as a member of the Diet."

　Before declaring it to everyone, I secretly attended the prospective candidate briefing held on December 21st last year and was impatient.

　"I'm not a planner, everyone is a candidate."

　It takes about a month until the notification. There was no time for the year-end and New Year holidays. On January 12th, the city of Maebashi was also subject to short-time business at restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages.

　Elections are full of things you don't know. The poster on the bulletin board said, "I thought the city staff would put it up." I heard that it was the work of the camp, and my friends called in and pasted 700 places. Meaning of "discussion material" to be described in the villa. The size of the signboard of the election car ……. I asked my acquaintance's incumbent what to do, but he said, "The election campaign is ten people and ten colors. If you win, that's the correct answer."

　After the announcement on January 31st, when 47 people filed their candidacy, it became more fun day by day. In the morning, stand on the main street and wave to the cars passing by. In the morning, I went around the city in an election car. In the afternoon, I went out with a bicycle. One after another, friends who say "I want to help". The number of bicycle units, which was initially two or three, was more than a dozen on the final day of the election campaign. In addition to the area around the store and home, he continued the strategy of focusing on the "blank area" while looking at the map showing the ground of other candidates.

　7th ballot counting day. The ballot counting was watched at the office. The number of votes obtained is 1540. With a fixed number of 38, he is 40th, 237 votes behind the 38th winner. I shook hands with my friends with my eyes bright red. "It was fun. I was able to think of myself so far." I realized with my colleagues that elections and politics are actually familiar. "I wish I had won"

　The morning of the 8th, the day after the ballot counting. I stood at the intersection of Route 17 with my friends and waved at the car. When I opened the store that night, regulars gathered and said, "You did your best" and "I was sorry." I don't know if it will come out four years later. "But I want to take a closer look at the work of lawmakers for the last four years." It's my feeling now that I've run through.

Source: https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP2B7G12P28UHNB00T.html