Taro Yamamoto, leader of the Reiwa Shinsengumi party, announced his resignation on Thursday following a criminal penalty for a speeding violation [1].

The departure of Yamamoto, a central figure in the party's identity, marks a significant leadership transition that coincides with a planned rebranding of the organization [1].

During a press conference in Tokyo, Yamamoto said he could not excuse his actions after driving 149 km/h [2] in a zone where the legal limit was 80 km/h [2]. The incident occurred in October 2026 on the Higashikyushu Expressway in Oita City [1, 2].

Yamamoto faced legal consequences for the violation earlier this year. He received a summary order for a 90,000 yen fine on April 20 [2, 3] and a 90-day license suspension in May [2, 3].

"As the representative of a political party, I myself committed a significant speeding violation," Yamamoto said. "This is not something that can be excused. I am very sorry. I, Taro Yamamoto, will resign as the representative of Reiwa Shinsengumi" [1].

In addition to the legal issues, Yamamoto cited health problems as a reason for his resignation. These health concerns previously led him to resign from his seat in the House of Councillors in January [1, 3].

Co-representative Akiko Oishi said Yamamoto expressed his intention to resign from his position and leave the party [1].

The party has already set a timeline to replace its leader. Yamamoto said the representative election will be announced on July 17, with voting and counting scheduled for July 31 [1, 2]. He also noted that the party name will be changed [1].

Yamamoto's exit follows a period of legal and physical instability that has seen the party leader move from the legislature to a criminal court process within six months [1, 2, 3].

“"This is not something that can be excused. I, Taro Yamamoto, will resign as the representative of Reiwa Shinsengumi."”

The resignation of Taro Yamamoto removes the primary face of Reiwa Shinsengumi at a time when the party is attempting to restructure. By combining a leadership change with a party name change, the organization is likely attempting to distance itself from the personal legal and health scandals of its founder to maintain its viability as a political force.