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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in January 1994 at the parliament building in Tokyo shows Liberal Democratic Party leader Yohei Kono (L) shaking hands with Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2016, shows Yohei Kono speaking during an interview. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in November 2015 shows Yohei Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels. He died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in August 1993 at the prime minister's office in Tokyo shows Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono issuing an official statement acknowledging the Japanese military's responsibility for the forced labor of Korean "comfort women" in Japan's wartime military brothels, and announcing the government's landmark apology for the issue. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in June 1994 at the parliament building in Tokyo shows (from R) Liberal Democratic Party leader Yohei Kono, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama of the Japan Socialist Party and New Party Sakigake leader Masayoshi Takemura shaking hands before a meeting to form the Cabinet of their new coalition government. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in July 1993 at the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Tokyo shows Yohei Kono (L) following his victory in the party's presidential election. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken on July 5, 2023, shows Yohei Kono (L), leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in September 2005 shows Yohei Kono (L) and his son Taro pointing at their nameplates as they arrived at the parliament building in Tokyo following a general election of the Japanese House of Representatives. Yohei Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in Tokyo on March 23, 2025, shows Yohei Kono (L), former speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives, posing for a photo with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in Tokyo on July 21, 2009, shows Japanese House of Representatives speaker Yohei Kono announcing the dissolution of the lower house during its plenary session. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in July 1994 shows Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono (R) chatting with Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama ahead of a Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

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Education minister Matsumoto

Japanese education minister Yohei Matsumoto (C) admits to an extramarital affair reported in a weekly magazine during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on March 12, 2026.

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Education minister Matsumoto

Japanese education minister Yohei Matsumoto meets the press in Tokyo on March 12, 2026, over an extramarital affair reported in a weekly magazine.

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Education minister Matsumoto

Japanese education minister Yohei Matsumoto apologizes during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on March 12, 2026, over an extramarital affair reported in a weekly magazine.

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Education minister Matsumoto

Japanese education minister Yohei Matsumoto apologizes in Tokyo on March 12, 2026, over an extramarital affair reported in a weekly magazine.

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SPORT INVERNALI - Sci Alpino - 2026 Audi FIS Ski World Cup - Men's Slalom

FIS Ski World Cup 2025-2026 - Men's World Cup Slalom Alta Badia 22/12/25 Yohei KOYAMA (JPN)

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Alppihiihto: Maailmancupin kilpailut (-16.11.)

Japan's Yohei Koyama reacts after the second run of the FIS Ski World Cup men's slalom at the Levi Ski Centre in Kittilä, Finland on November 16, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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Alppihiihto: Maailmancupin kilpailut (-16.11.)

Japan's Yohei Koyama competes during the second run of the FIS Ski World Cup men's slalom at the Levi Ski Centre in Kittilä, Finland on November 16, 2025. LEHTIKUVA / RONI REKOMAA - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

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Lineup of Japan PM Takaichi's Cabinet

Yohei Matsumoto, who is set to become education, culture, sports, science and technology minister in the Cabinet of new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, arrives at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, before an attestation ceremony at the Imperial Palace.

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Marketing analyst Harada

OSAKA, Japan, June 6 Kyodo - Marketing analyst Yohei Harada speaks at a national convention of the Japan-Newspaper Orikomi Advertising Agencies Association in the western Japan city of Osaka on Nov. 2, 2023.(Kyodo)

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (L) holds talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (L) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (L) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang are pictured before a photo session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (front, 2nd from L) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (front, 3rd from L) take part in a photo session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (front, 2nd from L) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (front, 3rd from L) take part in a photo session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (L) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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Ex-Japan lower house speaker Kono in Beijing

Former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono (L) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang are pictured before a photo session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 2025.

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SPORT INVERNALI - Sci Alpino - AUDI FIS Ski World Cup - Slalom - Men

Yohei Koyama (JPN) Head during the AUDI FIS Ski World Cup 2024/25 - 3Tre - MenÃ¢ÂÂs Night Slalom at Canalone Miramonti Slope, on January 8th, 2025, Trento, Italy during AUDI FIS Ski World Cup - Slalom - Men, Alpine Ski race in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, January 08 2025

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CHINA-BEIJING-HE LIFENG-JAPAN-MEETING (CN)

(240702) -- BEIJING, July 2, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT) and a delegation from the Japanese business community headed by Kono, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2024. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xiang)

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CHINA-BEIJING-HE LIFENG-JAPAN-MEETING (CN)

(240702) -- BEIJING, July 2, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT) and a delegation from the Japanese business community headed by Kono, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2024. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xiang)

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Japanese ex-lawmaker Kono in China

Japanese former House of Representatives speaker Yohei Kono (front, L) and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (front, R) walk to the venue of their meeting in Beijing on July 1, 2024.

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Japanese ex-lawmaker Kono in China

Japanese former House of Representatives speaker Yohei Kono (L) and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (R) hold talks in Beijing on July 1, 2024.

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Asian Games: Marathon

Japan's Yohei Ikeda crosses the finish line in sixth place during the men's marathon at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 5, 2023.

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Asian Games: Marathon

Japan's Yohei Ikeda (L) leads the pack in the middle stages of the men's marathon at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct. 5, 2023.

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(SP)CHINA-HANGZHOU-ASIAN GAMES-ATHLETICS(CN)

(231005) -- HANGZHOU, Oct. 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Shumi Dechasa Leche (L, front) of Bahrain and Ikeda Yohei (1st R) of Japan compete during the Men's Marathon Final of Athletics at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Song Yanhua)

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CHINA-BEIJING-WANG YI-JAPIT PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(230706) -- BEIJING, July 6, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing, capital of China, July 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

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CHINA-BEIJING-LI QIANG-JAPIT-MEETING (CN)

(230705) -- BEIJING, July 5, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with a delegation led by Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

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Japan delegation meets China Premier Li

Yohei Kono (C), leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, and Okinawa Gov. and delegation member Denny Tamaki (L) meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 5, 2023.

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Japan delegation meets China Premier Li

Yohei Kono (L), leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, meets with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 5, 2023.

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Japan delegation meets China Premier Li

Yohei Kono (L), leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang shake hands at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 5, 2023.

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Japan delegation meets China Premier Li

Yohei Kono (L), leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, meets with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 5, 2023.

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Japan delegation meets China Premier Li

Yohei Kono, leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, attends a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the group at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 5, 2023.

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Baseball: Japan's WBC warm-up game

Roki Sasaki of Japan's national baseball team gets Yohei Oshima of the Chunichi Dragons to strike out in the third inning of a World Baseball Classic warm-up game against the Central League club at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in Nagoya, central Japan, on March 4, 2023.

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Seminar on Hansen's disease in Vatican

Yohei Sasakawa (L), the goodwill ambassador for leprosy elimination for the World Health Organization and chairman of The Nippon Foundation, speaks at an international symposium on Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, in a Vatican auditorium on Jan. 23, 2023, where a message from Pope Francis was shared.

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Seminar on Hansen's disease in Vatican

Yohei Sasakawa, the goodwill ambassador for leprosy elimination for the World Health Organization and chairman of The Nippon Foundation, speaks at an international symposium on Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, in a Vatican auditorium on Jan. 23, 2023, where a message from Pope Francis was shared.

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Ex-Japan spokesman in S. Korea

SEOUL, South Korea - Japan's former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono (L) and South Korean President-elect Park Geun Hye shake hands before their talks in Seoul on Feb. 14, 2013. Japan may be reviewing Kono's 1993 statement that acknowledged the Japanese military's involvement in the forced recruitment of women into sexual servitude.

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(6)Funeral for Princess Takamatsu held in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and House of Councillors President Chikage Ogi attend the funeral for Princess Takamatsu, an aunt of Emperor Akihito who died at age 92 earlier this month, held at the Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward on Dec. 26.

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DPJ lawmaker Kamata submits resignation letter to speaker

TOKYO, Japan - Opposition Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Sayuri Kamata (R) submitted a letter of resignation Dec. 24 to House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono following the Supreme Court's dismissal of her campaigners' appeal of their convictions for breaking the election law.

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Japan play Qatar in Olympic qualifier

TOKYO, Japan - Japan midfielder Yohei Kajiyama (2nd from L) heads home during the first half of an Olympic qualifier against Qatar at National Stadium in Tokyo on Sept. 12. At right is Qatar goalkeeper Rajab Hamza Qassim.

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Japan play Qatar in Olympic qualifier

TOKYO, Japan - Japan midfielder Yohei Kajiyama (L) celebrates after scoring the opener during the first half of an Olympic qualifier against Qatar at National Stadium in Tokyo on Sept. 12.