Japan: Mr. Yoshikazu Higashitani, also known by the online alias GaaSyy, was the first MP to be dismissed from the Japanese parliament in more than 70 years when he neglected to report for duty.

Since 1950, the parliament has only ousted two individuals, but this is the first instance of an MP being expelled for frequent absences. Since 1950, the parliament has only ousted two individuals, but this is the first instance of an MP being expelled for frequent absences.

The party’s sole platform is reforming NHK, Japan’s state broadcaster. Higashitani hasn’t shown up for a single session since being elected in July 2022. The MP goes by the nickname “No-show MP” and is a well-known YouTuber for his videos about celebrity gossip.

Mr. Higashitani has stayed in Dubai because, according to him, he would be arrested if he went back to Japan. According to reports, he is being questioned in connection with his YouTube videos’ alleged defamation of a few Japanese celebrities.

Mr. Higashitani’s final opportunity for atonement was last week when parliament demanded that he make an in-person apology in the Tokyo chamber. Instead, he declared on his YouTube channel that he was travelling to Turkey and would be donating his salary to help those affected by the Turkish earthquake.

The other member of his party, Mr. Hamada Satoshi, maintained that Mr. Higashitani’s absence from the meetings made it unlawful to remove him. Another party member will take Mr. Higashitani’s place in the house.

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