Key Facts
• June 17, 2025: Yasuhiko Funago, 67, announces retirement at a press conference.
• Funago, an ALS patient, was elected in 2019 under Reiwa Shinsengumi’s special proportional representation.
• Cited age and physical limitations as reasons for not running in the July Upper House election.
• Advocated against the perception that only physically strong individuals can serve as lawmakers.
• Expressed regret over not achieving the removal of restrictions on severe home care services.
• Funago fulfilled his six-year term, considering it a repayment to party leader Taro Yamamoto.
• Plans to continue advocating for equality and limitless potential from a civilian perspective.
• Taro Yamamoto praised Funago’s tenure as a groundbreaking achievement in political history.
Summary
Yasuhiko Funago, a member of Japan’s Reiwa Shinsengumi party and an ALS patient, announced his retirement from politics on June 17, 2025. Funago, who was elected in 2019 under a special proportional representation system, cited age and physical limitations as reasons for not seeking re-election in the upcoming July Upper House election. During his tenure, he challenged societal norms about lawmakers’ physical capabilities and advocated for the removal of restrictions on severe home care services, a goal he hopes will be achieved through bipartisan efforts. Funago expressed gratitude for fulfilling his six-year term, viewing it as a repayment to party leader Taro Yamamoto, who commended Funago’s contributions as transformative for Japan’s political landscape. Moving forward, Funago plans to promote equality and the limitless potential of individuals from a civilian standpoint.
