First-time politician Mai Yamada’s (山田摩衣) Japanese name has attracted attention in Chinese-language media after her win in the New Taipei City Council election on Saturday.
Born to a Taiwanese mother and Japanese father, the 32-year-old Taiwanese-Japanese stood out after becoming one of nine elected city councilors in Banciao District (板橋) in the nation’s local government elections on Saturday.
Although she has a Japanese name, she grew up and was educated in Taiwan, Yamada said, adding that “Taiwan is my home.”
Photo courtesy of Yamada’s campaign office
Before running for local government, Yamada, who speaks fluent Japanese and English, was Legislative Speaker You Si-kun’s (游錫堃) secretary.
She has been involved in politics since she was a senior at university and worked in the office of former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Kao Jyh-peng (高志鵬).
During her time serving the local community, she also learned to speak Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese). She continued her political work by serving as a campaign assistant for Legislator Yu Tian (余天) when he ran in a legislative by-election in 2019 for the DPP.
Having worked in politics for a decade, Yamada decided to run for a councilor position in Banciao.
To canvass for votes, she visited people doing morning exercise in parks and stood near Mass Rapid Transit station exits to talk to commuters and ask for their support.
During her campaign, many local residents cheered her on, she said, describing the support as proof of Taiwan-Japan friendship.
During her campaign, most people were curious and amazed about her name, rather than resentful, she said.
She attributed such reactions to a society in which people uphold democracy and are keen to make international friends.
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