Japan’s ex-PM still hands out flyers after 40 years — and commuters barely notice

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda continues a long-standing practice of distributing political flyers to commuters at railway stations. On September 18, Noda was seen at Minami-Funabashi Station in Chiba, handing out leaflets during the morning rush hour. The activity, part of his official schedule from 6:30 am to 8:30 am, focused on supporting his local constituency with topics such as disaster insurance, child support, and prefectural reform.

Noda's tradition of visiting stations dates back to 1986, years before he entered national politics. He began by serving as a member of Chiba prefectural assembly in 1987 and later elected to Japan’s House of Representatives in 1993. After a stint as Finance Minister, Noda became Prime Minister in September 2011, serving until December 2012.

Despite his political career spanning nearly four decades, Noda has maintained this routine even after leaving office. His official website lists regular early-morning station activities throughout September 2026, with leafleting as the primary activity. While some commuters recognize and accept his leaflets, others pass by without acknowledging him, treating him much like any other local politician.

This persistent presence at stations offers a glimpse into the less glamorous, day-to-day aspects of political work, emphasizing the importance of direct contact and engagement with constituents.