Sakurai MIU updated her X on June 25 announcing the cancellation of her street speech, claiming she had received death threats.
She reported the damage in the form of “Announcements and requests”, stating that since the posting of the obscene poster on the noticeboard for the election of the Governor of Tokyo, she had received threats on social media. She continued that, “I take this as an expression of your anger at my insane behavior and I regret it, but if it is something that makes you want to kill me, I will indeed consult the police. Considering future election campaign on the streets, if there are any signs of crime, or if there is a warning, we will have to ask for more help from the police, who are supposed to serve the people.”
She added: “I don’t wish to cause further disruption and inconvenience to many people, so I would ask that you refrain from any behavior that could be dangerous. The posters that were warned by the police were removed and have now been replaced. However, if you find them still on the notice boards, please let us know via social media.”
Kawai, the candidate who used Sakurai MIU as a model for the election poster, posted on June 24 on X: “I have received a death threat against the poster,” and “Sakurai’s speeches are no longer possible due to the danger to my life. My street speech will also not be given for a while. We are sorry.”
On June 20, Sakurai released a video on X, in which she pasted a poster of herself “almost naked” on a notice board for the Tokyo gubernatorial election. The poster read: “No more restrictions on freedom of expression. Ban the censorship.”
The posters subsequently caused controversy, particularly on social media. The candidate, Kawai who created the poster, revealed on June 21 on X that he had received a warning from the police and replaced the posters in turn. Sakurai also posted an apology on June 23, saying that she was vehemently sorry.
