Key Facts
• July 8, 2025: Yosuke Tsuruho, a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) senator, made controversial remarks.
• During an election speech in Wakayama, he referred to the Noto earthquake as “fortunate.”
• Tsuruho aimed to promote dual-residence living but faced backlash for insensitivity.
• Noto residents criticized his comments as “thoughtless” and “self-centered.”
• A volunteer described the remarks as “inappropriate” during recovery efforts.
• Tsuruho apologized on July 9, acknowledging a lack of consideration for disaster victims.
• He retracted his statement but denied plans to resign or leave the LDP.
• The speech highlighted administrative measures for dual-residence registration using My Number cards.
• Tsuruho proposed incentives for dual-residence living, such as shared administrative services.
• The incident sparked public debate on political accountability and disaster sensitivity.
Summary
LDP Senator Yosuke Tsuruho faced criticism after calling the Noto earthquake “fortunate” during a July 8, 2025, election speech in Wakayama. His remarks, intended to promote dual-residence living, were deemed insensitive by Noto residents and volunteers. Tsuruho apologized the following day, admitting a lack of consideration for disaster victims, but refused to resign or leave the party. The speech also discussed administrative reforms for dual-residence registration using My Number cards and proposed incentives for such living arrangements. The incident has reignited discussions on political accountability and disaster sensitivity.
