The Saga of Japan’s PM Takaichi’s Hand Continues [Podcast Episode]

By Barrier Free Japan

February 5 2026

TOKYO – The controversy continues regarding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s last-minute cancellation of her scheduled appearance on NHK’s “Sunday Discussion” on the morning of February 1, an incident that has drawn formal protests and demands for rescheduling from opposition parties. However, an investigation by Shukan Bunshun has revealed that the Prime Minister’s office began preparing to cancel the appearance two days before the live broadcast.

“As early as Friday, January 30, two days before the broadcast, Takaichi’s camp had already approached Takayuki Kobayashi, the Chairperson of the Policy Research Council, to act as a last-minute substitute.”

Episode notes: 

‘‘Takaichi Cancels TV Debate due to Hand Injury’:

Takaichi Cancels TV Debate due to Hand Injury