There are four candidates for the mayoral election in Ichikawa, Chiba. A Mainichi report names all four but only profiles three of them in detail. The fourth, Tsuyoshi Ichijo, standing as an independent, is all but ignored. This puzzled a few 2chers who decided to check out the candidates official declarations. While the other three have gone for the usual flattering photos and party platitudes, Ichijo has posted a mug shot with a hastily scribbled message which contains a couple of crossed-out spelling mistakes. He wants to set up a childcare facility near the station to help working mothers; reduce healthcare costs for the elderly; improve traffic links with Tokyo, provide housing for low-income earners; promote electric cars and set up a shopping voucher scheme to help local businesses. Needless to say, his approach has gone down well with the 2ch crowd. Some sneer at his spelling mistakes and the fact that he only managed to fill half the page as evidence of his lack of education. Others applaud his idealism and unwillingness to engage in self-promotion.
