Eiko Kimura submits resignation from Inochi no To
In short
Japanese upper house lawmaker Eiko Kimura said October 9 that she had submitted a notice to leave Inochi no To (いのちの党), formerly Reiwa Shinsengumi. The party said it had not accepted the notice and would discuss it after the weekend.
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Upper house lawmaker Eiko Kimura said on her website October 9 that she had submitted a notice to leave Inochi no To (いのちの党), formerly Reiwa Shinsengumi. The party said it had not accepted the notice and would discuss its handling after the weekend. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Kimura cited the retirement from politics of founder and former Reiwa leader Taro Yamamoto among her reasons, saying she felt limited in continuing her intended work under the current party structure. Kimura, who has a severe disability, was first elected in 2019 using a special priority slot in the proportional representation system. She won reelection in 2025 without using that slot, the reports said. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
Kimura said she felt unable to continue her intended work under the party's current structure after founder Taro Yamamoto retired from politics. The party's handling of her resignation remained pending.
Key facts
- Kimura announced on her website October 9 that she had submitted a party resignation notice. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The party said it had not accepted the notice and would discuss it after the weekend. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Kimura was first elected to the upper house in 2019 and reelected in 2025. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Asahi reported Kimura's announcement and the party's pending discussion on October 9. [ 1 ]