A Japanese legislator has been removed from the country’s parliament for the first time in 70 years after failing to attend any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unusual situation after being absent from the House of Councillors for more than seven months. (Diazepam) Higashitani’s expulsion is expected to be formalized next week, according to local media reports. The proposal was introduced and passed by the parliament’s discipline committee, at the request of Higashitani’s Senate colleagues.
Known popularly as GaaSyy on YouTube, experts said Higashitani appeared more interested in celebrity gossip videos than working for the people who elected and sent him to parliament. “The committee has reached this conclusion after discussing the matter in consideration of the significance of the democratic electoral process,” Muneo Suzuki, head of the chamber’s disciplinary committee told the reporters. “GaaSyy doesn’t understand the foundations of democracy, which is based on laws and rules.”
Higashitani dubbed the “No-show MP,” was voted to the upper chamber of parliament in July of last year
Higashitani dubbed the “No-show MP,” was voted to the upper chamber of parliament in July of last year as a member of the Seijika Joshi 48, or “Politician Girls 48” fringe party. Seijika Joshi 48, unlike most political parties, is a single-issue party, advocating primarily for reforms to Japan’s public broadcaster. Higashitani is one of the party’s two lawmakers who have been elected to the legislature. The other has attended legislative sessions.
Higashitani, 51, had been living in Dubai the entire time, fearing prosecution if he returned to Japan. Higashitani is reportedly being questioned in connection with an alleged slander lawsuit. Expelling a sitting legislator is considered the most severe punishment a legislator can receive. The precedent has only been set twice since 1950, but this is the first time an MP has been ousted for a prolonged absence. While parliamentarians are protected from arrest during parliamentary sessions, Higashitani may not have the same protection once he formally loses his office.