Fiery campaigns in freezing weather: Inside Hokkaido’s No. 4 district race

OTARU –

Electoral candidates in a Hokkaido district are braving the cold to get their messages out before the Feb. 8 election, which include calls for more government support to combat the freezing weather.

Hokkaido’s 4th district sees heavy snow, wind and ice during the winter months and rail disruptions and road closures are frequent occurrences. Such frustrating conditions have prompted the four candidates in the race to limit their outdoor appearances; it also makes snow removal a major issue for voters.

“Rather than dissolving parliament now and wasting ¥85.5 billion on a general election, we should focus on people’s lives, including providing subsidies for snow removal in Hokkaido, as well as for sewage treatment, and for heating oil and winter utility bills,” said Kureha Otsuki, the Centrist Reform Alliance incumbent who is running for a third term, during a Jan. 31 stump speech.