1. Japanese politician Tachibana Takashi, leader of the NHK Party, was arrested on November 7, 2025, for allegedly defaming a former prefectural assembly member, Takeuchi Hideaki.
2. The arrest comes following street speeches and social media posts where Tachibana made false statements about Takeuchi, including suggesting that Hyogo police were investigating him and claiming he was being interviewed by the police or scheduled for arrest.
3. These allegations were denied by the police, who stated they had never interviewed Takeuchi or planned to arrest him. The investigation is ongoing, with Tachibana's admission to the charges not yet disclosed. The family of Takeuchi, who took his own life in January, has expressed hope that this arrest may bring some resolution to their loss.