Social Democratic Party leaders defend controversial remarks on Justice Minister

Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima has defended remarks made by party member Lasar Ishii regarding Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita. During a rally on September 19, Ishii stated that Yamashita “killed four people” in reference to the four executions carried out during Yamashita’s previous term as Justice Minister. Fukushima supported the characterization during a press conference on September 24, suggesting that executions are indeed acts of killing by the state.

Separately, the newly formed Democratic Reform Association held its first general meeting. The party confirmed the entry of 18 former Constitutional Democratic Party members. This movement follows a split within the former Chūkanren group, where members have divided between the Komeito party and the new Democratic Reform Association. Critics have raised concerns regarding the strategic retention of certain members to maintain eligibility for political party subsidies.