Taro Yamamoto, leader of the Reiwa Shinsengumi party, was penalized for driving 149 km/h in a restricted zone [1].

The incident involves a high-profile political figure violating traffic laws by a significant margin, raising questions about legal compliance among party leadership.

The violation occurred in October 2025 on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway near Oita City [2]. Yamamoto was driving a rental car when he was captured by an Orbis speed camera [2]. The legal speed limit in that section of the highway is 80 km/h [1].

According to the Reiwa Shinsengumi public relations department, the party leader was ordered to pay a fine of 90,000 yen [1]. In addition to the monetary penalty, Yamamoto received a 90-day suspension of his driver's license [1].

Reports regarding the apprehension vary. Some sources said he was apprehended by police [1], while others said he was captured by the automated camera system and later reported to the authorities [2].

A former private secretary identified as Mr. B said Yamamoto was operating the rental vehicle himself at the time of the capture [2]. Despite the penalties and the public nature of the violation, a former police official said Yamamoto has not issued an apology for the speeding incident [2].

“Yamamoto drove 149 km/h in a 80 km/h zone”

This incident places a prominent populist leader in the position of having significantly exceeded the legal speed limit, resulting in both a financial penalty and a loss of driving privileges. The lack of a public apology may lead to further political scrutiny regarding his adherence to the laws he advocates for in a legislative capacity.