Japan Election Candidate says Cheese

A middle-aged politician running for Japans upcoming election is trying a more upbeat form of campaigning. He hopes to smile his way to a seat in Japan's lower house without major political party backing.
Mac Akasaka stands out of the hood of his car, wearing a smile on his face, all in the hope of getting a seat in the next general election.

The middle-aged Japanese politician is not afraid to swing to blaring '80s dance tunes in Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district.

Crowds look on inquisitively as giggling women take pictures with their phone cameras.

The 58-year-old former businessman is running in Sunday's election in Japan's lower house using what he calls his "Smile Dance" routine.

[Mac Akasaka, Running for Parliament]:
"If I was just making speeches nobody would listen. But by doing my 'Smile Dance' people actually stop to listen and look up at me and so it works."

Akasaka has also grabbed voters' attention with his quirky "smile therapy" exercises.

The only thing missing is the backing of a major political party.

He advocates "smile power" to revive the Japanese people's hearts and cure depression, and calls his one-man organization the "Smile Party."

Wacky election campaign tactics are not uncommon in Japan, where lesser-known candidates say a 50-year-old election law hampers efforts to get their message.

Many Japanese seemed laid back about the eccentric election candidates.

[Itsuma Kuro, Passerby]:
"I think it just goes to show what a great country Japan is that anyone can run in our elections."

[Hiroko Hyoto, Passerby]:
"He's not really been very precise about his policies, so I don't really get him."

Some Japanese feel it is a refreshing change from the usual speeches by the top parties, currently battling for seats in the 480 seat-strong Japanese Parliament.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• NTD
• News
• Japan
• Election
• Mac Akasaka
• Tokyo

[absolut20below]

Hahaha, he's awesome! He's hanging out of a million dollar Rolls Royce Phantom! Vote YES

[kkangandy08]

wow RR Phantom!

[DeMichaelSuperFan]

Creative!