Key Facts
• August 27, 2025: First hearing held at Kobe District Court Amagasaki Branch.
• Plaintiff: Maki Maruo, Hyogo Assembly member, seeks ¥11 million in damages.
• Defendant: Takashi Tachibana, NHK Party leader, accused of defamation.
• November 2024: Alleged defamatory statements made during Hyogo governor election campaign.
• Statements included false claims about Maruo’s involvement in spreading rumors.
• Maruo received 12,400 emails urging him to “commit suicide” after the speech.
• Video of the speech was viewed approximately 300,000 times online.
• Maruo claims Tachibana spread unverified information and has shown no remorse.
• Maruo emphasized the need to hold Tachibana accountable to protect democracy.
• Court urged to ensure fair judgment to maintain social order.
Summary
The first hearing of a defamation lawsuit filed by Hyogo Assembly member Maki Maruo against NHK Party leader Takashi Tachibana began on August 27, 2025. Maruo is seeking ¥11 million in damages, alleging that Tachibana made false claims during a November 2024 campaign speech, accusing him of spreading rumors about Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito. Maruo reported receiving over 12,000 abusive emails following the speech, which was also viewed 300,000 times online. He criticized Tachibana for spreading unverified information and called for accountability to prevent further harm to democracy. The court was urged to deliver a fair judgment to uphold social order.
