Takushi Otsuka’s Shocking Remarks on U.S. Presidential Candidate and Prime Minister Ambitions at Secret Meeting

Desire for the Prime Minister Revealed to Supporters

Otsuka revealed his aspirations to become Prime Minister to his supporters during a meeting held a month before the LDP presidential election, in which Shigeru Ishiba (67) emerged victorious. The conversation also turned to the U.S. presidential election, which had garnered much attention, particularly Kamala Harris (60), who was running for president. When asked about Harris, Otsuka responded as follows:

“From a security standpoint, the U.S. president relies on the nuclear button. This nuclear button is essential for ensuring the safety of our allied nations through nuclear deterrence. The final trigger is the U.S. president, but if (Harris) becomes president and is seen as too timid to press the nuclear button, that would be a problem.”

In a surprising comment directed at a U.S. presidential candidate, he referred to Harris as too timid. When the discussion shifted to the under-the-table money issue, Otsuka became more verbose, sharing his thoughts:

“At first, I thought the prosecutors were leaking information. I got so angry that I confronted them. I told them that leaking information was beyond their authority. But the prosecutors and the Ministry of Justice denied everything, saying it wasn’t them. Eventually, I found out that it was the party’s legal advisor leaking the information.”

As the meeting became more animated, Otsuka spoke about his support for former Minister of Economic Security, Takayuki Kobayashi (49), and how he envisioned a future “Kobayashi administration”:

“If Kobayashi becomes prime minister, we have a relationship of trust, so I am promised a ministerial position. (Pause) To be honest, my target is six years from now. I feel that I will be needed as prime minister around that time. In six years, I aim to become the prime minister.”

When asked for comment, Otsuka’s office responded:

“The remarks were made in a social setting where alcohol was involved, and they were not meant to be made public. It is extremely inappropriate for them to be reported.”

In response to the individual remarks:

■ Regarding the offensive comments about U.S. presidential candidates:

“It was a statement made in a drinking gathering, and while the language was inappropriate for public disclosure, what I meant to express was my desire for the U.S. president to be resolute in defending allied nations.”

■ Regarding the claim that a party legal advisor leaked information about the under-the-table money issue:

“This is based on information I received directly from a reporter covering the political funding issue.”

■ Regarding the remark about himself becoming prime minister:

“I was not implying that it was my time now. I was simply saying that while I support Kobayashi, I also have ambitions for the future.”

Although these comments were made in a private, supporter-only setting, they reflect a certain carelessness. Whether Otsuka is fit to be the people’s representative will be determined by the outcome of the election in Saitama’s 9th district.