Key Facts
• July 8, 2025: Yosuke Tsuruno remarks on Noto earthquake at a campaign event.
• July 9, 2025: Tsuruno apologizes and retracts his statement, calling it a “misstep.”
• July 12, 2025: Tsuruno submits resignation as Budget Committee Chair to the Upper House Speaker.
• Criticism: Both ruling and opposition parties condemned the statement as “disrespectful to disaster victims.”
• Impact: Concerns raised over potential negative effects on the upcoming Upper House election.
• Ruling party members criticized Tsuruno for delayed resignation, calling it “reactive.”
• Coalition partner Komeito warned of voter distrust and potential gains for emerging political forces.
Summary
Yosuke Tsuruno, Budget Committee Chair of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), faced backlash after stating it was “fortunate” that an earthquake occurred in Noto during a campaign event on July 8, 2025. The comment, perceived as insensitive to disaster victims, drew criticism from both ruling and opposition parties. Tsuruno apologized and retracted the statement the following day. On July 12, he submitted his resignation to the Upper House Speaker, with plans to step down the following week. Critics within the LDP and coalition partner Komeito expressed concerns over the delayed response, citing potential damage to the party’s reputation ahead of the Upper House election. Komeito also warned of voter distrust and the possibility of emerging political forces gaining momentum.
