Key Facts
• July 27, 2025: Taro Kono appeared on Fuji TV and BS TV Tokyo.
• Kono acknowledged opposition victory in the Upper House election necessitates tax reduction.
• Criticized ruling party’s policy approach as a ‘losing strategy’ during election.
• Highlighted risks of tax reduction, including yen depreciation and rising global interest rates.
• Called for Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama’s resignation to ensure accountability.
• Stressed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s continuation depends on U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations.
• Kono resigned as Deputy Chair of the Election Strategy Committee after election defeat.
• Denied interest in running for the next leadership race, calling it ‘inappropriate.’
Summary
Taro Kono, former Digital Minister of Japan, addressed the ruling coalition’s defeat in the Upper House election during TV appearances on July 27, 2025. He stated that the opposition’s victory necessitates some form of consumption tax reduction, though he warned of potential economic risks such as yen depreciation and rising international interest rates. Kono criticized the ruling party’s election strategy as flawed and emphasized the need for Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama to resign to uphold accountability. He also noted that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s continuation hinges on the progress of U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations. Following the election loss, Kono resigned from his role as Deputy Chair of the Election Strategy Committee and dismissed speculation about his candidacy in the next leadership race, deeming such discussions inappropriate.
