Taro Yamamoto, leader of Japanese opposition party Reiwa Shinsengumi, has resigned from the House of Councillors due to health issues. He revealed he is close to developing multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, and will enter an indefinite period of inactivity while remaining party leader.
On January 21, 2026, in Tokyo, Taro Yamamoto resigned from the House of Councillors. In a video posted on Reiwa Shinsengumi's official YouTube channel, the party leader stated, “I’m one step away from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood. If I don’t live by the main theme of not letting it progress, I could lose my life.”
He announced an indefinite period of inactivity but affirmed he would continue as party leader with a significantly reduced workload. Reflecting on his tenure, Yamamoto said, “Parliamentary activities involved a series of tasks that required considerable physical and mental pressure. I feel that excessive stress is the biggest cause” of his health issues.
At a subsequent press conference, he denied any plans to retire from politics, declaring, “I aim to return (to national politics).” However, he plans to stay out of the public eye during the February 8 House of Representatives election campaign and will not participate in speeches.
Yamamoto was first elected to the upper house in 2013 and is currently in his second term. He previously served one term in the lower house and founded Reiwa Shinsengumi in 2019. His resignation comes amid health concerns that may affect the party's strategies, though his recovery remains the focus.
