Mon Nov 11 21:06:17 UTC 2024: ## Opposition Leader Admits to Extramarital Affair Amidst Prime Ministerial Vote

**Tokyo, Japan:** Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and a key player in the upcoming vote for Japan’s next prime minister, has admitted to an extramarital affair reported by the tabloid SmartFlash.

Tamaki, 55, confirmed the affair during a press conference called in response to the tabloid’s allegations, stating that the “facts reported this morning are basically true.” The scandal involves a 39-year-old model and entertainer, with the tabloid publishing photos of the pair leaving a bar together.

Despite the revelation, Tamaki retains the unanimous support of his party’s lawmakers and will continue as DPP leader. This comes as Japanese parliament is set to decide today whether Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will remain in office following his scandal-ridden coalition’s loss of its parliamentary majority in last month’s election.

Ishiba is expected to stay on as the coalition retained the largest bloc of seats, but Tamaki has indicated the DPP will not vote for him. Instead, the party will offer support to the Liberal Democratic Party on a case-by-case basis, based on specific policies.

Tamaki expressed remorse for his actions, citing his wife’s words: “You can’t protect the country if you can’t protect the person closest to you.” He pledged to “reflect on my action and do my best to work in a way that is in the best interests of the country.”

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