Openly gay politician Taiga Ishikawa says that winning a Diet seat in Sunday's election would empower him to change politics and help Japanese society recognize its diversity.
Ishikawa, 40, is ranked first on the Social Democratic Party's proportional representation list in Tokyo, which means if the SDP wins any seats, he is sure to get one.
He says he will work toward legalizing same-sex marriage and strengthening the rights of sexual minorities, women, and the disabled.