Tarō Yamamoto (born 24 November 1974) is a Japanese politician and former actor. He began as a television personality in 1990 and appeared in numerous films and dramas before turning to politics. He founded the anti-establishment party Reiwa Shinsengumi and served in the House of Councillors representing Tokyo, as well as in the House of Representatives from 2021 to 2022. He ran unsuccessfully in the 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election.
Acting career
Yamamoto was born in Takarazuka, Hyogo, and was raised by his mother after his father died shortly after his birth. He started his career as a television personality in 1990 and appeared in dramas such as Futarikko and Shinsengumi!. He also acted in films including Battle Royale and Moon Child, the latter earning him a Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor. He continued working in film and television until 2013.
Entry into politics
Yamamoto entered politics after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011, becoming a protester in the anti-nuclear movement. He was elected to the House of Councillors as an independent in 2013. The same year he handed a letter to Emperor Akihito, an act that drew criticism and an official reprimand. He later joined the People's Life Party and then the Liberal Party before founding Reiwa Shinsengumi in 2019.
Reiwa Shinsengumi
Under Yamamoto's leadership, Reiwa Shinsengumi won two seats in the House of Councillors in its first election. In the 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election he campaigned on cancelling the Summer Olympics and on cash relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing third. In 2021 he won a seat in the House of Representatives, and his party later formed a pact with several opposition parties.