CDP Lawmaker under Fire over Remarks on Japan SDF

Tokyo, June 16 (Jiji Press)–Chikage Koga, a lawmaker of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, has been under fire for her recent remarks citing financial circumstances as a reason for joining the country’s Self-Defense Forces. Although she immediately retracted the remarks in question and apologized, criticism has poured in from both the ruling and opposition parties, prompting the CDP to issue a stern warning to her on Tuesday. Koga, a lawmaker in the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, the country’s parliament, said at a meeting of its Budget Committee on Monday, “Children from economically disadvantaged families join the SDF.” She added, “No children from rich families become SDF members.” The former elementary school teacher made the remarks when she asked a question regarding a brochure for students that explains the SDF’s activities. Koga apologized after Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi protested her comments. Koizumi said at a press conference on Tuesday that the comments “are an insult against those who volunteered to become SDF personnel with a strong sense of purpose.” Koichi Hagiuda, executive acting secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said: “I can’t believe my ears. What a rude thing to say.” Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, said, “It’s disrespectful to SDF members and their families.” CDP Secretary-General Masayo Tanabu issued a strict warning to Koga. The party decided to remove her from the Upper House’s Committee on Education, Culture and Science. Koga was elected in 2022 through proportional representation, after serving as a special executive committee member of the Japan Teachers’ Union. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]