Natsuo Yamaguchi (山口 那津男, Yamaguchi Natsuo, born 12 July 1952) is a Japanese politician who served as the chief representative of Komeito from 2009 to 2024. He is a member of the House of Councillors since 2001 and previously served in the House of Representatives from 1990 to 1996.
Natsuo Yamaguchi | |
|---|---|
| 山口 那津男 | |
 Yamaguchi in 2022 | |
| Chief Representative of Komeito | |
| In office 8 September 2009 – 28 September 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Akihiro Ota |
| Succeeded by | Keiichi Ishii |
| |
| Assumed office 29 July 2001 | |
| |
| In office 18 February 1990 – 20 October 1996 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 July 1952 Nakaminato, Ibaraki, Japan |
| Political party | Komeito (1998–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
|
| Residence(s) | Katsushika, Tokyo |
| Alma mater | University of Tokyo (LL.B) |
Early life
editA native of Nakaminato (now Hitachinaka), Ibaraki and he was raised in Hitachi until his graduation from public senior high school. His mother was a teacher of the elementary school. After graduating from the University of Tokyo with a B.L. degree in 1978, he became a lawyer in 1982.
Political career
editYamaguchi was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1990. After losing his seat in 1996, he ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives in 2000. In 2001, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time. He was appointed chairman of the policy research council in August 2008. Komeito suffered a major defeat in the in the 2009 general election, losing ten seats, including party president Akihiro Ota and secretary general Kazuo Kitagawa. On September 8, Yamaguchi replaced Ota as president. He had been chosen through a process centered on party heavyweights Takenori Kanzaki and Chikara Sakaguchi.[1][2]
Yamaguchi's first term as party leader expired in September 2012, and he was re-appointed unopposed for another two years on 22 September 2012. No vote was required, as he was the only candidate.[3] He has continually been reelected since then.
After fifteen years leading Komeito, Yamaguchi stepped down in September 2024 and was succeeded by Keiichi Ishii.[4]
Yamaguchi has come out in support of the Selective Surname System for married couples and same-sex marriage,[5][6] as well as voting rights for permanent foreign residents.[7]
Personality
edit- Known for his mild-mannered personality. Compared to the former Komeito lawmakers such as his predecessor, Ota, he has a softer appearance and is considered to be a major factor in his appointment as a representative. As a politician, it is not always an advantage, and because of its good personality, it is said that there are no enemies but no allies around Nagatacho.[8]
- His nickname among his supporters and on Nico Nico Live is "Natchan."[9] In 2001, when he ran for the House of Councilors election for the first time in the 19th House of Councilors election, he was given a metal badge imitating Natsumi-kan by his supporters .Summer oranges badge 2013 of the 23rd member of the House of Councilors ordinary election is but mounted.
References
edit- ^ "公明新代表、山口氏で最終調整 首相指名で自公連立に幕". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). Tokyo. 4 September 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ The Japan Times Ailing New Komeito taps policy chief as new boss. Published 8 September 2009. Retrieved on 8 August 2012.
- ^ The Daily Yomiuri Yamaguchi gets nod for 3rd term as Komeito's chief representative. Published 23 September 2012. Retrieved on 26 September 2012.
- ^ "Ishii to head Komeito in first leadership change in 15 years". The Japan Times. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "公明・山口氏「選択的夫婦別姓に私は肯定的だ」". 産経ニュース. 産経新聞社. 24 February 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ^ "公明・山口氏「同性婚の議論深化に期待」". 産経ニュース. 産経新聞社. 13 June 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ Osaki, Tomohiro (16 October 2017). "Let permanent foreign residents participate in local elections: Komeito chief Yamaguchi". The Japan Times. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ [https://web.archive.org/web/20130921020801/http://shukan.bunshun.jp/articles/-/3081 安倍政権のブレーキ役になる 山口公明党代表の自信と不安] - Weekly Bunshun(07/03/2021)
- ^ （党首がゆく ２０１３参院選）公明党・山口那津男代表 「ブレーキ役」問われる夏 - Asahi Shimbun(07/03/2021)
- 政治家情報 〜山口 那津男〜. ザ･選挙 (in Japanese). JANJAN. Archived from the original on 1 December 2007. Retrieved 20 November 2007.
External links
edit- Official website in Japanese.