Key Facts
• June 11, 2025: Democratic Party of the People revoked Shiori Yamao’s endorsement.
• Yamao planned to run in the summer House of Councillors election under proportional representation.
• June 10, 2025: Yamao held a press conference to announce her candidacy.
• Criticism centered on past scandals: misuse of funds, parliamentary pass abuse, and an affair.
• 2017: Allegations of an affair with lawyer Rintaro Kuramochi surfaced in a weekly magazine.
• Kuramochi’s ex-wife suffered severe mental health issues, leading to her death in 2020.
• Yamao denied the affair but avoided direct answers during the press conference.
• Public outrage followed her vague responses and perceived lack of accountability.
• Social media trends highlighted phrases like “unfit as a person” and “irresponsible excuses.”
• The Democratic Party of the People faced declining approval ratings after endorsing Yamao.
• The party’s decision to revoke her endorsement aimed to mitigate further damage.
Summary
Shiori Yamao, a former member of the House of Representatives, faced intense public criticism after the Democratic Party of the People revoked her endorsement for the upcoming House of Councillors election. The decision followed a controversial press conference where Yamao addressed past scandals, including allegations of an affair with lawyer Rintaro Kuramochi and misuse of public funds. Her vague responses and refusal to provide clear answers fueled public outrage, with many questioning her accountability and suitability for office. The backlash significantly impacted the party’s approval ratings, prompting the withdrawal of her candidacy. Despite losing party support, Yamao’s next steps remain uncertain.
