Death Threats Against Female Candidates Highlight Security Concerns in Japan's Upper House Election

Yuko Otsubaki, who serves as the deputy leader of Japan’s Social Democratic Party, addressed reporters on July 17 after revealing that she had received a disturbing death threat through an online platform. The message contained a violent warning stating, “I’m going to kill you with a knife,” which Otsubaki described as completely unacceptable, particularly as she is campaigning for re-election in the Upper House through proportional representation.

This situation has sparked significant alarm regarding the safety of women in politics and the overall integrity of the democratic process. Otsubaki vowed to carry on with her campaign but acknowledged the need for increased security measures ahead of the election scheduled for July 20, labeling the threats an attempt to undermine the electoral process itself.

She is not alone in facing such threats, as independent candidate Shiori Yamao has also reported receiving death threats, including two threatening emails targeting her and her family demanding money, which were sent to her campaign’s official address. These alarming incidents are part of a broader trend, with Yamao’s team noting that they had received similar threatening emails intermittently from April through July.

In addition to these cases, on July 6, Saya from the right-wing party Sanseito also reported multiple death threats directed toward her through a support group's website. Authorities are currently looking into these disturbing events, prompting campaigns to enhance security measures for both candidates and their staff.