Key Facts
• January 2025: Former Hyogo assembly member Hideaki Takeuchi died by suicide due to defamation.
• August 8, 2025: Takeuchi’s wife publicly announced a criminal complaint against Takashi Tachibana.
• Takeuchi was accused of fabricating a letter and being under police investigation, claims denied by police.
• Takashi Tachibana, leader of the NHK Party, spread false allegations against Takeuchi via social media.
• Takeuchi’s wife stated her husband was labeled a ‘mastermind’ and targeted with hate.
• July 18, 2025: Wife revealed her grief on the six-month anniversary of Takeuchi’s death.
• Takeuchi was a member of the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly’s investigative committee on a harassment case.
• 2024: Tachibana ran for Hyogo governor and accused Takeuchi of being a key conspirator.
• Social media harassment intensified after Tachibana’s claims, leading to Takeuchi’s depression.
• January 18, 2025: Takeuchi was diagnosed with depression and died by suicide at home.
• Police refuted Tachibana’s claim that Takeuchi was to be arrested.
• Tachibana admitted to defamation but denied legal liability, claiming confidence in acquittal.
• Takeuchi’s wife urged action against online defamation to prevent further tragedies.
Summary
Former Hyogo Prefectural Assembly member Hideaki Takeuchi died by suicide in January 2025 after enduring severe defamation and false accusations. His wife has filed a criminal complaint against Takashi Tachibana, leader of the NHK Party, for spreading false claims that Takeuchi was under police investigation and involved in fabricating a letter. These allegations, denied by police, led to intensified social media harassment, contributing to Takeuchi’s depression. On the six-month anniversary of his death, Takeuchi’s wife expressed her determination to protect her husband’s dignity and called for addressing online defamation to prevent further tragedies. Tachibana admitted to defamation but denied legal liability, asserting confidence in avoiding prosecution. The case highlights the ongoing issue of cyberbullying and its devastating consequences.
