With the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election approaching on June 22, local governments across the capital are stepping up preparations by installing extra-large campaign poster boards. These expanded displays are designed to accommodate a rising tide of political candidates and improve transparency for voters.
In anticipation of record participation, some municipalities are rolling out boards with up to 70 poster slots. This initiative follows last year’s gubernatorial election, where a historic 56 candidates ran—far surpassing the number of available display spaces. To avoid the confusion that occurred then, Tokyo’s Election Administration Commission issued new recommendations in March, advising boards be prepared for dual use in both the upcoming assembly and House of Councilors elections.
Municipalities are adopting creative and cost-efficient approaches. Suginami Ward, for example, has implemented a removable overlay system with 27 assembly-specific slots, while Shibuya Ward is using plywood to repurpose part of the larger national election board. These measures ensure that space is used efficiently and that voters can easily identify relevant candidate information.
This election will also debut stricter poster regulations under a revised public offices election law. Candidates must now uphold higher standards of decency in campaign materials, a move supported across party lines following past misuse of public boards.
As political competition intensifies and misinformation continues to spread online, Tokyo’s election officials are working proactively to maintain the integrity of the democratic process, empowering voters through clarity, fairness, and access.