Takashi Tachibana, the leader of the NHK Party, was attacked on March 14, 2025, near the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district. The assailant, identified as 30-year-old Shion Miyanishi, used a machete-like weapon to inflict injuries on Tachibana’s head and neck. Despite the severity of the attack, Tachibana’s injuries were not life-threatening, according to Kyodo News.
Details of the Attack
As reported by Asahi Shimbun, the attack occurred around 5:10 p.m. while Tachibana was preparing to deliver a speech. Witnesses stated that Miyanishi initially appeared to be in line for a photo with the politician before suddenly lunging at him with a 16-centimeter blade. Security and bystanders quickly subdued Miyanishi before police arrived, Kyodo News reported.
Authorities recovered the weapon and took Miyanishi into custody, The Japan Times noted. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and Miyanishi’s background to determine whether he acted alone or had any prior affiliations with political groups.
Assailant’s Motive
According to Asahi Shimbun, Miyanishi told police that he intended to kill Tachibana, claiming that the politician had played a role in a local assembly member’s suicide. The suspect’s exact grievances remain unclear, and law enforcement has not publicly disclosed further details about the alleged incident.
This attack comes at a time of heightened political tension in Japan, with concerns about public safety for controversial political figures.
Who is Takashi Tachibana?
Takashi Tachibana, 57, is one of Japan’s most polarizing political figures. A former NHK employee, he left the public broadcaster after exposing internal corruption and went on to found the NHK Party in 2013. Initially a single-issue movement opposing NHK’s mandatory license fees, the party has since expanded its platform to advocate for tax reductions, stronger military defense, and nuclear energy independence.
Tachibana gained a reputation for his confrontational style, frequently using YouTube and social media to campaign against NHK and other political adversaries. His party, while often dismissed as a fringe movement, has seen electoral success, securing a seat in the House of Councillors in 2019. However, internal disputes and shifting leadership have weakened the party’s standing. As of early 2024, the party lost its representation in the National Diet and faced bankruptcy proceedings, further complicating its political future.
The NHK Party’s Controversial History
The NHK Party has been at the center of political and legal controversies since its inception. It has frequently rebranded under different names, including The Party That Teaches How to Not Pay the NHK License Fee and The Collaborative Party. While its core mission remains opposing NHK’s licensing policies, it has also drawn attention for its unconventional tactics, such as issuing stickers to “ward off” NHK bill collectors and running YouTubers as candidates.
The party has also been plagued by infighting. In 2023, Tachibana briefly stepped down as leader, handing control to former child actress Ayaka Otsu. However, just a month later, he attempted to reclaim leadership, splitting the party into two factions. The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs officially recognizes Otsu as the party’s leader, though most of its members continue to support Tachibana.
A Broader Trend of Political Violence?
Tachibana’s attack is the latest in a growing number of violent incidents targeting Japanese politicians. The most high-profile case remains the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, which raised concerns about security measures for public figures. Since then, authorities have sought to increase protections for politicians, particularly during public events.
As reported by The Japan Times, Japanese security officials are now reviewing protocols to prevent similar attacks. Political analysts note that while violence in Japanese politics remains rare compared to other democracies, the attack on Tachibana reflects a worrying trend of individuals resorting to extreme actions in response to political grievances.
Unlike Shinzo Abe, who was a long-established statesman, Tachibana’s political career has been more unconventional and controversial. Some critics argue that his aggressive rhetoric and provocative tactics have contributed to a divisive political climate. Others contend that regardless of political ideology, all public figures deserve protection from violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Concerns
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate Miyanishi’s background and potential motives, Kyodo News reported. Authorities are also assessing whether additional security measures should be introduced for politicians, particularly those who, like Tachibana, frequently engage with the public.
In Japan’s historically low-crime political landscape, incidents like this serve as a reminder that public officials are not immune to targeted attacks. Whether this incident is an isolated act or part of a broader shift in Japan’s political climate remains to be seen.
Disclaimer:
All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details presented are based on publicly available reports from sources including Kyodo News, Asahi Shimbun, and The Japan Times. This is a developing story, and new information may emerge as investigations continue.
Sources and Further Reading:
- Kyodo News: “Controversial Japan Politician Tachibana Slashed in Central Tokyo”
- Asahi Shimbun: “Attack on Anti-NHK Party Leader in Tokyo”
- The Japan Times: “Tokyo Stabbing: Tachibana’s Incident Raises Security Concerns”
