Mari Takahashi Says Past Lounge Work Led to Election Withdrawal

It's true that... there was a time when I was on welfare and struggling financially. During that time, I worked hard at a nightlife establishment called a lounge.

This is Mari Takahashi, a former freelance announcer, tearfully appealing on her social media.

Following the resignation of Mito Kakizawa, Ms. Takahashi was scheduled to run as a new candidate officially endorsed by the Democratic Party for the People in the Tokyo 15th district by-election for the House of Representatives in April.

At the party convention held two weeks ago...

First and foremost, I will not lie. And I will conduct my political activities honestly, based on the anger and doubts I felt through my past experiences.

Taking this opportunity, I, Mari Takahashi, along with the Democratic Party for the People, pledge to conduct our political activities cleanly and uprightly.

Ms. Takahashi, who had appeared energetic, was showcasing her glamorous career on the party's website.

After participating in Miss Keio and Miss Nippon, she started working as an announcer while in university for three years, and then worked at a foreign IT consulting firm for three years.

However, this weekend, Ms. Takahashi revealed on her social media that she would withdraw her candidacy. The reason was...

I was told by the Democratic Party for the People to give up my candidacy, so I reluctantly decided to step down.

The reason is that I have a past of working at a lounge.

Ms. Takahashi claimed that the party took issue with her past of working as a lounge hostess, serving customers at a nightlife establishment.

After explaining everything, including my sexuality, and consulting with them, citing poor health as the reason, I was instructed to withdraw.