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Pink can be powerful. Taro Yamamoto recognizes this. The leader of Japan’s anti-establishment, left-wing Reiwa Shinsengumi party, Yamamoto has embraced pink as an aesthetic, wrapping his movement in the color, which appears on everything from posters to campaign cars. Why pink? “Because I like it,” he once answered. As simple as that.
Reiwa Shinsengumi, however, is not a simple left-wing party. In another life, Yamamoto was an actor, known especially for a starring appearance in the landmark 2000 Japanese thriller film Battle Royale. Yamamoto plays Shogo in the movie, one of the students fighting against a sadistic government program to pit school youth against each other in an island deathmatch.
Among Yamamoto’s other acting credits was “Shinsengumi!,” a television samurai drama named after the eponymous group of ronin (or “lordless samurai,”) who acted as a police force in 19th century Kyoto. Reiwa is the name of Japan’s current temporal era, since the ascension of Emperor Naruhito.
The Reiwa Shinsengumi, therefore, are trying to evoke an image of roguish warriors, fighting for justice in modern times.
And the party does fight. Yamamoto launched Reiwa Shinsengumi in 2019, after serving as a legislator for the Liberal Party. Running in that year’s House of Councillors election, the first two names on his list, ahead of himself, were Yasuhiko Funago and Eiko Kimura — who became Japan’s “first lawmakers with severe disabilities.” Their election literally transformed the House of Councillors, which was prompted to make changes to accommodate their access.
Yamamoto next set his focus on the race for governor in Tokyo. Campaigning in 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic, he promised to hand out cash to residents, echoing a global wave of support for social safety nets as economic turmoil unfolded. He also pledged vigorous opposition to the Tokyo Olympics, a hot-button issue in the city. Yamamoto scored 10%, nowhere near what was required to win, but a significant dent in a marquee vote.
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Much of Reiwa Shinsengumi’s public profile is defined by their bombastic approach to politics and campaigning. Yamamoto has made international headlines, including an incident last year where he tried to physically stop the passage of an anti-immigration law.
Lately, the party has taken up the cause of Palestine, joining in protests against Israel. One of Reiwa Shinsengum’si legislators, Akiko Oishi, has been vocal on the issue, accusing Israel of “violating international law by committing a genocide.”
Reiwa’s legislators know how to capture media attention, too. Oishi once protested a budget by actually “slow-walking” her vote in parliament.
They also adopt some positions that have been divisive among progressives. Reiwa Shinsengumi has campaigned against the Japanese government’s support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion, prioritizing what they see as a “pro-peace” position. And the party has been noted for support among anti-vaxxers and other science skeptics, as part of their broader distrust towards government.
Most of the latest projections for Japan’s election see Yamamoto’s party expanding its share of seats in the lower house by double or more. While the Shinsengumi have a long way to go towards real influence, a pink foothold could be consolidated in parliament. Given everything, it’s understandable why pink is Yamamoto’s personal preference. It’s a splash on the wall, and impossible to ignore.
Notable
Yamamoto isn’t the only actor who has carved out a career in Japanese politics. Entertainers and celebrities of all kinds have a long history of political success in the country.