When candidates from the new local group Genzei Nippon (Tax Reduction Japan) led by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura won the triple elections held in Aichi Prefecture in February, the group's tax cut initiative seemed to have gained momentum.
But after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan, that was no longer the case. In the April 24 by-election for the House of Representatives seat for the Aichi No. 6 constituency, voters did not support the candidate backed by Genzei Nippon.
This defeat was a severe blow to Kawamura as well as his ally, Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura, who was looking to sway national politics. As it is unlikely that a general election will take place anytime soon, the two politicians are being forced to rethink their strategy in light of the disaster and recovery efforts.