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Livedoor's Horie May Run in Election on LDP Ticket

Posted on: Tuesday, 16 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

Aug. 16--TOKYO -- Livedoor Co. President Takafumi Horie said Tuesday he is considering running on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's ticket as a candidate in the Sept. 11 House of Representatives election.

"There is a possibility" of running in the election if he could have a significant influence and get "a sense of being able to change Japan" by becoming a lower house member, the 32-year-old Internet entrepreneur told reporters, acknowledging that he and a senior LDP member held a meeting Monday.

Horie -- widely known in Japan by his nickname "Horiemon" -- said it does "not much matter" in which constituency he runs.

He said he would offer "big support" for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's postal privatization drive, one of the central issues in the election.

"It's not as small an issue as everybody says. Money managed by postal savings and postal life insurance are precious assets for Japanese citizens, and how to manage that money will affect how Japan develops," Horie said.

The LDP has been sounding out a wide array of personalities in favor of postal privatization to run in the upcoming election, which Koizumi called on Aug. 8 in dissolving the lower chamber after the House of Councillors voted down bills to privatize Japan Post.

Japan Post not only delivers mail and parcels, but also provides saving accounts and life insurance.

Analysts believe the LDP, which has traditionally lacked a strong footing in urban areas, is considering fielding Horie in such an electoral district as the Fukuoka No. 1 constituency where there are many unaffiliated voters.

"There is great significance in fielding outsiders like Mr. Horie," said one senior member who asked not to be named, indicating the party's hopes to have Horie as a key candidate.

Horie made headlines when his Internet service provider company failed in its moves to buy a professional baseball team and take over Nippon Broadcasting System Inc.

Horie's bold methods were both supported and criticized in business, political and various other circles.

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Source: Kyodo News International, Tokyo

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