Cdp's Tsujimoto Kiyomi Shows Resolve To Prop Up Opposition Bloc
The Constitutional Democratic Party's Tsujimoto Kiyomi is projected to win a seat in the proportional representation segment for the first time.
Tsujimoto is from Osaka. She served seven terms in the Lower House until her defeat in last year's election.
She told reporters that she feels heavy responsibility as she is returning to the Diet.
She also said the legislature plays a pivotal role when wealth gaps and poverty are said to be serving as the hotbed of violence and terrorism around the world, while the issue of war and peace is becoming more urgent.
She expressed her resolve to help create a powerful opposition bloc to prevent Japan from heading in what she considers a wrong direction.
The 62-year-old was the chairperson of the party's Diet Affairs Committee. She was appointed state minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism in 2009.
Tsujimoto is known for grilling prime ministers harshly in the Diet.
She is one of the founders of an NGO called "Peace Boat," which promotes international exchanges through cruises around the world.