Mikio Shimoji

Mikio Shimoji is a former Japanese politician, who served as a member of the Initiatives from Osaka party in the House of Representatives in the Diet. A native of Hirara, Okinawa, and graduate of Chuo Gakuin University, he was elected for the first time in 1996 as a member of the Liberal [Democratic Party (Japan)|Liberal Democratic Party]. He previously joined People's New Party in 2008. Shimoji was Minister of State for Disaster Management for the final 2.5 months of the cabinet of Prime [Minister of Japan|Prime Minister] Yoshihiko Noda.
Shimoji has contested Okinawa's 1st district in almost every election since 1996. He was first elected as the district's representative in 2005. He was re-elected in 2009, but lost his seat in the 2012 election. Shimoji recontested the seat in the 2014 election. While unable to win the seat outright, he obtained a seat through his spot in Japan Restoration Party's PR list.