Key Facts
• June 3, 2025: Nara City Council’s regular session opened.
• March 2025: Council member Toshiro Tsuchida slept during a vote.
• A neighboring council member pressed Tsuchida’s voting button, later resigning in accountability.
• A disciplinary committee required Tsuchida to read an apology in the council chamber.
• Tsuchida admitted to neglecting his duties and damaging public trust.
• General account supplementary budget proposals were also submitted during the session.
Summary
Toshiro Tsuchida, a Nara City Council member, publicly apologized on June 3, 2025, for sleeping during a March council vote. The incident led to a neighboring council member pressing Tsuchida’s voting button, resulting in the latter’s resignation. A disciplinary committee mandated Tsuchida to read an apology in the council chamber, where he admitted to neglecting his responsibilities and undermining public trust. The session also included the submission of general account supplementary budget proposals.
