Tokyo International News Agency

On August 6, Japanese political party Reiwa Shinsengumi announced that it has changed its party name to "Inochi no To" (Abbreviation: "Inochi", meaning "Party of Life") following discussions at an extraordinary general meeting and executive board meeting. The sudden rebranding has drawn widespread attention, sparking a wide range of opinions from supporters and social media users. Supporters welcomed the change with positive reactions, noting that "it aligns well with the party's focus on human life, welfare, and peace," and that "using hiragana makes it feel approachable." Given that the announcement fell on August 6—the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima—some social media posts expressed hope, linking the new name to a pledge for peace and the sanctity of life. Conversely, many voiced skepticism about the name change. Critics pointed out practical concerns and awkward phrasing, commenting that "the name feels out ...

On July 9, 2026, Taro Yamamoto, the high-profile leader of Japan's progressive-populist party Reiwa Shinsengumi, announced his resignation as party chief, citing "health issues." The announcement has sent shockwaves across social media, especially as it coincides with reports that the party's co-leader, Akiko Oishi, is planning to defect. The double blow has sparked intense speculation and concern over the party's future. Yamamoto's resignation comes on the heels of a recent scandal where he was cited for a serious traffic violation, allegedly driving 149 km/h (approx. 93 mph) in an 80 km/h zone. Online critics have been unsparing, with many demanding not just his resignation as party leader but his outright resignation from parliament. Some suspect the timing, suggesting he used health issues as a convenient excuse to escape accountability. Critics have also pointed to his past controversial remarks, recent reports of an overseas trip, and the party's dev...

Reiwa Shinsengumi, a Japanese political party, is facing serious allegations of "whistleblower suppression." Multiple media outlets have reported that a former party employee, after raising concerns about alleged "secretary salary fraud," received a warning letter from the party instructing them "not to speak further." This issue was initially brought to light by Weekly Shincho and Daily Shincho, which described the alleged actions as "despicable whistleblower suppression." On X (formerly Twitter), a wave of criticism has emerged, with many users stating that "if Reiwa Shinsengumi suppressed a whistleblower, it is extremely malicious and terrible," and demanding immediate accountability from the party. At the core of the controversy are the specific details of the "secretary salary fraud" reportedly exposed by the former employee and the party's subsequent response. Concerns have been raised that these actions may violate ...

Allegations have emerged against Reiwa Shinsengumi concerning the inappropriate "fraudulent acquisition" of public secretary salaries from the state, sparking widespread controversy on social media. According to reports by Daily Shincho, a former House of Representatives member of the party and a former secretary to Representative Taro Yamamoto have accused the party of illegally receiving public secretary salaries intended for its affiliated Diet members. The core of the allegations is that the party headquarters systematically directed secretary salaries, paid by the state to support parliamentary activities, toward "party duties" or had them funneled back to the party as "party duty cooperation fees." The accusers claim that secretaries were effectively engaged in party activities, with a portion of their salaries being remitted to the party, or that salaries were paid despite a lack of actual secretarial work. Some social media posts also suggest simil...

Following the results of Japan's House of Representatives election, the hashtag "#自分はれいわに入れました" (meaning "#I Voted for Reiwa") rapidly trended on X (formerly Twitter), with numerous users publicly declaring their vote for Reiwa Shinsengumi. This movement has gained momentum amidst questions regarding Reiwa Shinsengumi's secured seats and a general distrust in the election results themselves. Many of those posting cited the abolition of the consumption tax, the prevention of constitutional amendment, and dissatisfaction with the current government (particularly the Liberal Democratic Party) as reasons for their vote for Reiwa Shinsengumi. Specific policy expectations were evident, such as "We absolutely want the consumption tax abolished, which unnecessarily extracts 10% of product prices for a government that does nothing," alongside strong sentiments like "We cannot give up on Japan's future." There were also voices expressing unders...

Reiwa Shinsengumi representative Taro Yamamoto delivered a street speech on February 5, 2026, at the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo. A large crowd of supporters gathered to listen to Yamamoto's impassioned appeal, which many described as "life-threatening" in its intensity. This event marked Yamamoto's first public address since he announced he was "one step away from multiple myeloma" and resigned from the House of Councillors to undergo medical treatment. Consequently, supporters expressed a mix of concern and excitement, with many voices echoing sentiments like, "Taro-san, who is recuperating, is holding a street campaign," and "We're worried, but we want to hear Taro Yamamoto's voice." This highlighted both their apprehension for his health and their profound anticipation for his appearance. The speech commenced at 7:15 PM, serving as a critical opportunity to advocate for "Reiwa in proportional representation...

Reiwa Shinsengumi leader Taro Yamamoto announced on the 21st that he would resign from the House of Councillors due to health reasons. Yamamoto publicly disclosed his health condition, stating, "I am one step away from multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer," and explained, "I will resign as a parliamentarian to take action to protect my own life." He clarified that he would not be running for the House of Representatives election but would instead enter an indefinite period of hiatus. This sudden announcement has created a significant stir across various sectors. On social media, numerous expressions of concern for Yamamoto's health have been posted, with messages wishing for his recovery, such as "Please take care of yourself" and "I hope you can rest well." However, regarding the phrase "one step away from multiple myeloma," users with medical qualifications and those with personal experience have raised questions like "Wh...