Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi canceled her appearance on a debate program on the 1st. It is reported that during a campaign speech for the House of Representatives election, “her hand was pulled hard and she injured it.” ■ Speech with Taped Hand “I’m so happy you all rushed here like this, Sanae Takaichi. Thank you!” Prime Minister Takaichi waved to the gathered crowd with a smile. In fact, about four hours earlier, she had abruptly canceled her appearance on an NHK debate program. Regarding the reason, she posted the following on her official X account. “During handshakes with enthusiastic supporters at campaign venues over the past few days, my hand was pulled hard and I injured it.” She attended a speech venue in Gifu in the afternoon as scheduled. Looking at Prime Minister Takaichi’s right hand, all five fingers were wrapped in tape. “I heard someone just now ask, ‘Is your hand okay?’ Sorry about that. Yesterday, during high-fives and such, my hand was pulled hard and I hurt the joint, but I’ve been receiving treatment since this morning with anti-inflammatory medicine and taping, so it’s fine.”

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts based on state population, with its primary powers including originating revenue bills and having the sole power to impeach federal officials.

NHK

NHK, or Japan Broadcasting Corporation, is Japan’s national public broadcasting organization, founded in 1926. Modeled after the BBC, it is funded by viewer fees and is known for its news, educational programming, and the annual “Kōhaku Uta Gassen” song contest. Throughout its history, NHK has played a central role in Japanese media, maintaining a mandate for impartiality and contributing to the nation’s cultural and informational landscape.

Gifu

Gifu is a city in central Japan historically known as a strategic castle town during the Sengoku period, when it was ruled by the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. Today, it is famous for traditional cormorant fishing (ukai) on the Nagara River and its historic Gifu Castle, which overlooks the city from Mount Kinka.