Member of the House of Councillors and Deputy Secretary-General of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Ai Aoki

I carry the weight of my parliamentary badge on my heart. A politician's job is to fulfill the hopes of the people.

■ Profile

Born in Tokyo on August 18, 1965
Graduated from Chiba Prefectural Awa High School in 1984
Graduated from the Faculty of Education, Chiba University in 1988
　　　　　　After working as a TV reporter and in music,
1999: Research student at the Graduate School of Education, Chiba University
2000: Nursery teacher, director of a social welfare corporation
First elected in the 43rd House of Representatives election in 2003
　　　　　　Since then, he has served in the House of Representatives for three terms and the House of Councillors for two terms.
Chairman of the Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Special Committee 2019　

Aoki Ai is a multi-talented woman who has experience in music and as a reporter before becoming a member of the House of Councillors. We spoke to her about her strong desire to "reflect more of students' voices in politics," her love of music as a student, and the encounters and challenges that led to her current role as a politician.

■ A university life immersed in music, including a CD debut

As soon as I entered university, I moved into a 26000 yen rent apartment in Funabashi without a bath, living alone for the first time. I had many anxieties, but I began my new life with more hope than anything else. My parents ran a nursery school, so I majored in early childhood education at Chiba University's Faculty of Education. I loved music, so while studying education, I joined a music club and started playing in a band. Because music classes are required for early childhood education, music was deeply involved in both classes and club activities. As a result, music was a constant presence throughout my university life. Also, X JAPAN's Toshi and Yoshiki were classmates in high school, so I was involved in music by supporting their activities. Not only did I support them, but I also released records as a vocalist. Music was an inseparable part of my life. I was able to pursue my love of music to the fullest during my university years.

■From an information program reporter to a politician

After graduating from university, I pursued a career in music and joined the record company Toshiba MI. After that, a song I wrote was used as the theme song for TV Asahi's "Tonight," which led to me working as a reporter for information programs for about five or six years. Being a reporter is a job that involves seeing the cutting edge of the times, and I learned to look ahead and broaden my horizons.
Then, after the bubble burst, I decided I wanted to start studying music and education again, so I re-entered graduate school. At the time, I couldn't see what the future held for me, and I must have felt anxious. Despite that, I wanted to find my purpose in life, so I went to work for Mr. Ozawa, who was then with the Liberal Party. My parents were town council members and my uncle was a ward council member, so elections and politics were not something that was far removed from me, and I decided to take the plunge and enter politics.
I initially wanted to join the Ozawa Juku, but I couldn't get in because of the age limit, but that led to me being contacted by organizations such as Kakuei Tanaka's Youth Training Institute. While I was wondering what to do, the members of the Youth Training Institute suggested that I run in the Chiba Prefecture House of Councillors by-election, but I didn't have enough confidence in myself to do so, so I declined.
However, a few years later, when I was asked if I would like to run in the 2003 House of Representatives election, I thought, "This time I'll give it a try," and decided to run. Then, with the encouragement of those around me, I was able to open the door to politics.

■Everybody should have the same things they need to survive

One of the important jobs of a council member is making resolutions. There are many resolutions I have opposed that have left a lasting impression on me. The first one was the resolution to open the Linear Shinkansen. I was against its opening due to water issues and the risk of road collapses. Also, the Linear Shinkansen would require drilling a hole in the Southern Alps, which would lead to environmental destruction. And there is also the risk of a major accident occurring if it goes through such a long tunnel.
I also opposed the resolution to privatize water, because water is a lifeline. I believe that anything that directly affects people's lives should be nationalized. Everyone should have equal access to the things they need to live. It would be ideal for these things to be run by public institutions.

■ If there is a request from the people, it is the job of Diet members to make it happen

The most satisfying thing about being a Diet member is, without a doubt, hearing compliments from the public and local residents. Sometimes I receive harsh criticism, but perhaps the reason I'm able to persevere is because I feel a deep sense of responsibility—that I must complete my term as a Diet member—as long as I'm wearing the Diet member's badge. Thinking of the people in my hometown, I fulfill my duties every day with the feeling that, just as the lyrics of "Furusato wo" (Hometown) say, "I will fulfill my aspirations and return one day." Having been elected by the people, I believe I have an obligation to devote myself to politics for the people no matter what. To do that, I must first solve the problems before me. The current problem is the threat of COVID-19. "If the people want it, we must make it a reality." That's the job of a Diet member, after all.

■ Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, I want you to make the most of your time.

Students today are facing a situation where they have to live a university life unlike any they have ever experienced before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I'm sure there are many difficult times ahead. However, even in times like these, time passes. It may be difficult to make the most of this COVID-19 pandemic, but cherish your time and try to do what you want to do to the best of your ability. There's no need to worry about what others think. Follow your heart and try to do what you love. We, the members of the Diet, are also willing to listen to the voices of students and consider ways to improve the situation.

Student Newspaper Online March 4, 2021 Interview by Kokoro Sato, 3st year student at Tsuda University