Japan Foreign Correspondents' Club in Limbo Over Hosting Debate

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) has found itself in limbo over whether or not to host a debate between candidates vying in the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election.

The FCCJ, a 71-year-old a non-profit association, had planned to host a debate between leading candidates in the last week leading up to the July 31 vote, but has suddenly found itself confronted with a protest over the prospective format.

Three candidates – former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike (63), former internal affairs minister Hiroya Masuda (64) and veteran ex-journalist Shuntaro Torigoe (76) are generally considered as the main contestants for the governor's seat.

According to JPN sources, backlash erupted when the FCCJ's steering committee, which is comprised of a panel of journalists based at major news agencies in Japan, decided that the club would entertain the same trio of candidates.

Twenty-one persons have submitted their names for the election, nine of whom have registered official campaign offices. Only a handful have been seen on major news outlets, however.

"The field is obviously large. We are currently sorting through the process of whether or not to expand the debate to include other candidates," FCCJ President Peter Langan told JPN. "Certainly there is a need to hear a variety of voices on any debate panel, and the allegation that some candidates have not had proper access to press coverage is a concern that needs to be addressed."

He added that a decision on the debate will likely be made within one to two days, and that any agreed upon forum will be open to the public.

Former Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe resigned in mid-June amid pressure over a political funds scandal, leaving his seat open. Masuzoe is the second Tokyo governor quit since the capital won the right to host the 2020 summer Olympic Games.

A handful of debates have been held thus far since then. On July 13 at the National Press Club, candidates discussed their views on issues such as the country's low birth rate, disaster preparedness, and the Olympics mandate.