Former prosecutor Masaru Wakasa, 56, a frequent commentator on news programs and talk shows who once worked in the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office, said Thursday he will run in this summer's Upper House election as a Liberal Democratic Party candidate.
"The Diet is a place to establish legislation. As a legal professional, I am determined to serve as an Upper House lawmaker," Wakasa said after getting a candidate certificate from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who heads the LDP.
Among other prominent people expected to run, actor Daisuke Shima, whose retirement from entertainment was revealed Wednesday, said on his Facebook page that "the news is already out on the Internet."