Sunrise was at 6:50 a.m.
I left home while it was still dark.
Yesterday’s sumo matches, recent political news, and the coming election—all of it lingered in my mind as the day began.
In yesterday’s grand sumo tournament, Yokozuna Onosato was defeated by Yoshinofuji, a maegashira ranked just below the top division.
Both Ozeki, Kotozakura and Aonishiki, also lost their bouts. The sense of stability among the top-ranked wrestlers disappeared almost instantly.
It was disappointing, but I hope they can regroup and fight back without letting this turn into a downward spiral.
Speaking of comebacks, a mayor who resigned after his visits to love hotels with a married subordinate became public knowledge has now been re-elected.
It is not my city, and I have no direct involvement.
Still, I find myself wondering: should a politician’s private sexual conduct be treated as entirely separate from their public role?
Or is this simply something we are expected to overlook when it comes to politics?
The governor of Kanagawa Prefecture and the leader of the Democratic Party for the People have both been involved in extramarital affairs, yet these were effectively forgiven.
Surely there are people without such scandals who could govern just as well—so why do figures like these continue to be supported as politicians?
Perhaps they are considered “irreplaceable.”
Indeed, politics is not something just anyone can do.
A general election is approaching.
It may be an attempt to crush the opposition all at once, but is Takaichi’s popularity really that strong?
Entering an election without resolving issues related to China may actually be risky.
That said, the opposition parties are in even greater disarray, so a landslide victory might still occur.
The movement toward a centrist new party is not uninteresting, but time may be running out.
As for Sanseito or Reiwa Shinsengumi—are they still riding a wave of popularity?
Everything will become clear once the election results are in.
Talk of the Osaka metropolitan plan has resurfaced as well.
Decentralizing government functions is an important issue, but is this really connected?
Both the mayor and the governor are said to be stepping down again, though I cannot quite understand why a simple referendum would not suffice.
Elections cost money.
In snowy regions, even setting up poster boards is a major undertaking.
Because elections require such effort and expense, voting is something we must not neglect.
Will Onosato win today?
