Key Facts
• July 8, 2025: Yosuke Tsuruho, 58, made controversial remarks in Wakayama.
• Comment: “It was fortunate that there was an earthquake in Noto.”
• Context: Promoting “dual-location living” policy during a campaign meeting.
• Criticism: Insensitive to victims of the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.
• Retraction: Tsuruho apologized and withdrew his statement the same night.
• Election Impact: Concerns raised over potential effects on the July 20 Upper House election.
• Background: Wakayama and Ishikawa are key battlegrounds for one-seat districts.
• History: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won these seats in 2019 and 2022 elections.
• Tsuruho’s Role: Five-term Upper House member, Budget Committee Chair since January 2025.
• Public Reaction: LDP members and public criticized the statement as disrespectful.
Summary
Yosuke Tsuruho, a senior member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, sparked controversy on July 8, 2025, by stating, “It was fortunate that there was an earthquake in Noto,” during a campaign event in Wakayama. The comment, made while discussing the government’s “dual-location living” initiative, was criticized as insensitive to victims of the January 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. Tsuruho later apologized and retracted his statement, acknowledging a lack of consideration for the affected individuals. The incident has raised concerns about its potential impact on the July 20 Upper House election, particularly in key one-seat districts like Wakayama and Ishikawa, where the LDP has historically performed well. Public and party members have expressed outrage, questioning whether an apology suffices for such remarks.
