Natsuo Yamaguchi

In 2022, weekly magazines alleged that Yamaguchi and other Komeito leaders had known about inappropriate sexual behaviour by an elected official and had tried to suppress the matter before an election. Komeito sued the publishers for defamation. Courts subsequently rejected the essential elements of these allegations in the proceedings concerned; its victory against Bunshun became final in March 2026.

State of the evidence

Media allegations published and subsequently not upheld in court

Legal status — source text

Bunshun: Komeito's victory became final in March 2026; Shincho: publisher ordered to pay damages on appeal.

Attribution

Yamaguchi was the target of allegations but has not been established as responsible for a cover-up

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist is the victim

After months of discussions, Komeito accepted the relaxation of rules allowing the future fighter jet developed with the United Kingdom and Italy to be exported from Japan to certain third countries. The change was politically sensitive because it departed from a highly restrictive approach to arms exports and Komeito's pacifist image.

State of the evidence

Political change documented and contested

Legal status — source text

No proceedings

Attribution

Direct political responsibility as Komeito leader

In the debate triggered by links between politicians and the former Unification Church, Yamaguchi called for prosecution of unlawful practices and abusive spiritual sales, while warning against arbitrary use of the power to dissolve religious corporations. His position drew criticism concerning the precedent it might set for religious organisations.

State of the evidence

Political controversy documented

Legal status — source text

No personal proceedings

Under his leadership, Komeito accepted the reinterpretation of the self-defence framework and the 2015 security legislation, allowing limited collective self-defence in certain circumstances. The decision triggered demonstrations and criticism, including from some Soka Gakkai members, given the party's longstanding pacifist identity.

State of the evidence

Major political controversy documented

Legal status — source text

No personal proceedings

Attribution

Direct political responsibility as Komeito leader

Yamaguchi led Komeito in supporting the Specially Designated Secrets Act. The legislation drew strong opposition from civil liberties organisations and media outlets concerned about overly broad classification powers and a chilling effect on journalists.

State of the evidence

Political controversy documented

Legal status — source text

No personal proceedings against Yamaguchi

Attribution

Direct political responsibility as Komeito leader and coalition partner