Japan PM Takamori Faces Public Distrust Over Defamation Video Controversy; 52% Unconvinced by Explanation

A public opinion survey conducted by FNN on June 13-14 has revealed that 52% of respondents are not convinced by Prime Minister Katsuyuki Takamori's explanation regarding the so-called 'defamation video' controversy. The survey of 1,016 adults nationwide also showed that 60.1% believe it is necessary to summon the prime minister's secretary as a reference witness, while only 35.6% consider it unnecessary. Approval for the Takamori Cabinet dropped 2.7 percentage points from May to 65.3%.

Journalist Tetsuo Suzuki commented on the results, stating they were expected given that the prime minister's Diet responses lacked consistency. He warned that the issue could shake the government's stability if public opinion continues to turn critical. Suzuki also noted that while the ruling coalition holds a majority in the House of Representatives, the opposition has pledged to pursue the matter thoroughly in the House of Councillors, which could disrupt legislative proceedings.

Suzuki, drawing on interviews with former senior Liberal Democratic Party members, suggested a strategy of 'overwriting' the defamation video controversy by focusing on other high-profile issues such as revising the Imperial Household Law, constitutional reform, reducing proportional representation seats in the Lower House, and tax reforms. He argued that this approach could dilute public attention on the defamation issue.

Sociologist Konshu Koshima, however, called for full transparency rather than overwriting. He pointed to businessman Masahiro Matsumoto, linked to the 'Sanae Token' project, as a key figure in the defamation video. Koshima urged the prime minister to correct any inaccuracies in his previous statements and to disclose all relevant information, including the role of Matsumoto and the nature of the token project, to resolve the matter.

The controversy continues to dominate political discourse, with analysts watching closely how the government navigates both parliamentary pressure and public sentiment.