Japan's opposition leader admits affair, issues apology

Yuichiro Tamaki, head of Japan’s kingmaking opposition party, confirms tabloid report of affair as pressure mounts

TOKYO:

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of Japan’s Democratic Party for the People (DPP), which has gained significant influence in selecting the next prime minister, acknowledged that a tabloid report detailing an extra-marital affair was “essentially true.”

At a swiftly arranged press conference following the report's publication by SmartFlash, Tamaki expressed regret, stating, “I apologise for the trouble caused.”

Yuichiro Tamaki is a prominent Japanese politician who has led the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) since 2020.

Originally from Kagawa Prefecture, he studied law at the University of Tokyo and later attended Columbia University in New York, which broadened his perspective on international relations and policy. Tamaki’s political career began in 2009 when he was first elected to the House of Representatives as a member of the now-defunct Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

Over the years, he has focused on policies that appeal to working-class citizens, supporting economic reform and advocating for education and social security improvements.

Under Tamaki’s leadership, the DPP has become increasingly influential, particularly as a swing vote in Japan’s fragmented political landscape.

Known for his pragmatic approach, Tamaki has positioned the DPP as a moderate voice that can appeal to both conservative and liberal voters, which has proven strategic in coalition-building efforts.

His party’s influence has recently heightened as Japan faces key decisions on its next prime minister, giving the DPP a significant role in shaping national policy.

However, Tamaki's personal life has come under scrutiny following recent revelations of an affair, casting a shadow over his political standing during a critical period.