Taro Kono’s Immediate Blocking of “Help Me” Post on Vaccine Side Effects and His True Online Reputation

Taro Kono, the Minister of Digital Affairs, who has declared his candidacy for the LDP presidential election (official announcement on September 12, voting on September 27), appeared on “Sunday Report THE PRIME” (Fuji TV) on September 1. He expressed his intention to continue blocking defamatory or abusive comments on X, even if he becomes Prime Minister and party leader.

 

Kono is well-known for blocking users he doesn’t like on X, preventing them from viewing or interacting with him, earning him the nickname “Block Taro.”

 

When asked on the program about considerations for the public’s freedom of expression and the judgment of whether content constitutes defamation or abuse, Kono maintained his firm stance, saying:

“Is it acceptable to defame someone just because they’re the Prime Minister? Or because they’re ministers?”

He remained resolute in his position, adding:

“I will accept opposing views, but defamation and abuse are not acceptable. In fact, it is precisely someone in a position like the Prime Minister who needs to state this clearly.”

Kono insisted on this stance. However, it has become clear that he does not solely block defamation and abuse.

 

During a press conference following the first oral arguments in a class-action lawsuit by families of those affected by COVID-19 vaccines on August 19, a woman named Chiho Shishido from Iwate Prefecture revealed that she had been blocked by Kono.

 

In December 2022, Shishido replied to Kono on X:

 

“I’ve been suffering from health issues and struggling with life since a year ago after the vaccination. I’ve applied for the relief program, but I don’t think I can hold on until the results come in. Please help vaccine victims as well. You said you would take responsibility if something happened, right? Was that statement a lie?”

 

She replied to Kono on X. 

The message expresses a sincere plea and does not seem to constitute defamation or abuse. However, on the same day, Kono reportedly blocked her.