LDP's Muneo Suzuki Declares Retirement, Then Claims Victory Three Hours Later

Jul 22, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - In the Upper House election held on Sunday, veteran politician Muneo Suzuki, who ran under the banner of a "final battle," made a dramatic turnaround that surprised even his supporters.

Suzuki, 77, ran as a proportional representation candidate from his former party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). With the ruling coalition facing strong headwinds, early reports indicated he was trailing.

"I said this would be my last, last, last battle. That statement remains unchanged," Suzuki told reporters, effectively declaring his retirement.

However, just three hours later, a member of his campaign staff was overheard saying, "Shall we prepare for a victory cheer?"

By the next morning, Suzuki's projected win was confirmed. Appearing once more before his supporters—this time to applause—he revised his stance.

"This is irregular, but consider this my second press conference," Suzuki said. "I felt as if something was telling me, 'You still have work to do.' That’s how I’m taking it."

After barely securing the final seat, Suzuki shifted from a retirement declaration to a victory speech.

Source: TBS

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