Key Facts
• On September 12, Nara City Councilor Ryū Hezuma, a former YouTuber, shouted at Mayor Gen Nakagawa during a council session.
• Hezuma criticized the mayor’s response to his proposal for stricter penalties against violence toward deer in Nara Park.
• Hezuma, elected on July 20, skipped a two-day training for new councilors and failed to review council materials.
• Fellow councilor Genki Kakimoto revealed Hezuma’s lack of preparation, including attending meetings without reading agenda documents.
• Hezuma defended himself on social media, claiming the materials were too complex to fully understand.
• On September 16, council leaders planned to discuss Hezuma’s behavior, which some labeled as “intimidation.”
• Hezuma hinted at a possible resignation recommendation, garnering over 190,000 likes on his social media post.
• Public reactions were mixed, with some supporting Hezuma and others criticizing his actions.
• Kakimoto urged Hezuma to acknowledge his inexperience and approach his role with humility.
Summary
Ryū Hezuma, a former YouTuber and newly elected Nara City councilor, has faced scrutiny for his conduct during council sessions. On September 12, he loudly criticized Mayor Gen Nakagawa over deer protection policies, sparking controversy. Fellow councilor Genki Kakimoto disclosed Hezuma’s lack of preparation, including skipping training and failing to review council materials. Hezuma defended himself online, claiming the materials were difficult to understand, while hinting at potential resignation pressure. His social media post received significant attention, with mixed public reactions. As council leaders deliberate on his behavior, Hezuma’s future as a councilor remains uncertain.
