Minoru Fujimoto, 31, has wavy, dyed brown hair. He is one of the new breed of "smiling" Japanese Communist Party members, whose appearance may surprise longtime party supporters who are used to more traditional-looking candidates.

"I think (my hairstyle) has been to my advantage," said Fujimoto, who is running for a Lower House seat in Tokyo's No. 24 constituency. "People find me approachable, I guess."

The JCP candidate said he is getting positive responses, especially from young voters, as he campaigns for the June 25 election.