According to Japan's "JCAST" news website, the X account of Japan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kunihiro Fumeno, was suddenly deleted on the 17th, which Japanese netizens called "deleting the account and running away." Previously, Fumeno was criticized for spreading false information regarding the questions asked by Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae in the Diet, being accused of "spreading rumors."

The report stated that Fumeno had caused public discontent twice within a month due to "spreading rumors," even prompting criticism from senior members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). First, on November 7, when Takahashi made erroneous remarks about Taiwan, Fumeno posted on X claiming that Takahashi started working at 3 a.m. on the same day because the opposition parties submitted their "question notification" too late, accusing them of not following the "two-day advance notice" rule, which led Takahashi to answer hastily without enough time to prepare.

Photo of Japan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kunihiro Fumeno

Japanese media reported that in fact, the rule requiring "two days' advance notice" for "question notifications" in the Japanese Diet was abolished since 2014, and Fumeno's statement was deemed inconsistent with the facts. In response, Japanese Cabinet Secretary Kiwaki Minoru stated on November 10 that he had criticized Fumeno over this matter. Fumeno then posted on X stating that she would retract the controversial post and apologize to the relevant parties.

Later, during a web program on December 6, Fumeno spoke about her experience while working at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, saying that a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Koizumi Yoko, had asked her "a large number of questions," "about 50 questions," with only 10 minutes allocated for questioning. Fumeno claimed this created significant work pressure, "literally making it impossible to live," and that she therefore had no time to take care of her children. She added that many female officials had resigned due to similar issues. This statement was also pointed out by the Constitutional Democratic Party as "inconsistent with the facts."

On December 16, Tachibana Masahiro, the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, said at a press conference that Kiwaki had given Fumeno a "severe reprimand" over this matter, but she would continue to serve as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"JCAST" news website stated that Fumeno's repeated "rumor-mongering" has raised doubts about her qualifications to serve as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. At present, the reason for Fumeno deleting her X account is unknown, but it has already triggered more criticism from Japanese netizens. One person said: "After spreading false information, deleting the account—this is unprecedented. I think Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumeno should resign." Another questioned: "What's wrong with the LDP under Takahashi? She spread so many rumors, and after being exposed, she deleted the account and ran away." Some netizens also left comments saying: "Prime Minister Takahashi, such an unreasonable person should resign."

Source: Global Times, Jinmu News

Original: toutiao.com/article/7585005964785418793/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.