TOKYO (TR) – Investigators have revealed that Mari Takahashi, a Democratic Party of Japan official candidate for the lower house earlier this year, has died in an apparent suicide.
At around 9:30 p.m. on September 4, Takahashi was found collapsed on the grounds of her apartment building in Chiyoda Ward.
She was taken to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
Based on the circumstances at the scene, it appears Takahashi took her own life, investigators said on Monday without elaborating further.
Rescinded offer
A Miss Japan contestant in 2018, Takahashi was an influencer on Instagram, boasting more than 75,000 followers. She once worked as a freelance announcer and a hostess at a “limited lounge,” which is an exclusive hostess club.
The latter employment wound up complicating her ability to run for office.
In February, the Democratic Party of Japan announced that Takahashi would be an official candidate for the Tokyo 15th Ward by-election for the House of Representatives on April 25.
However, the party’s official recognition of Takahashi was rescinded on February 25.
Yuichiro Tamaki, a representative of the party, wrote on X regarding Takahashi that “facts that may violate laws and regulations have come to light.”
The politician added, “The Democratic Party of Japan does not allow employees to work in lounges, etc.”
Takahashi responded with a video. She said, “There was a time when I was on welfare and was having financial difficulty. During that time, I worked hard at a night club that was considered a lounge.”
She also challenged Tamaki’s claim that she had done something to “violate laws,” as he stated.
“An ordinary person”
Tamaki and Takahashi had a deep connection dating back to her one-time candidacy. However, regarding Takahashi’s death, Tamaki posted on X on Monday without offering any condolences.
“I would like to ask the media to please take into consideration the WHO Suicide Reporting Guidelines. Is there any point in reporting on the suicide of an ordinary person?”
Tamaki later deleted the post on X. He then explained the true meaning of the post, saying that he did not mention Takahashi’s name out of consideration for the feelings of the bereaved family and those involved. Regarding Takahashi, he said, “I was worried about her after that, and I was relieved to see that from time to time she was doing well on social media. That’s why I am very surprised by the sudden news of her death and cannot help but feel deep sadness.”
