On November 29, Mahito the People (36, real name Rie Obara), frontman of Japanese indie rock band GEZAN, posted a long statement on X (formerly Twitter). He was responding to the uproar after he called Prime Minister Sanae Takachi, 64, a "baka" or an "idiot".
The spark came on November 21, when Takachi shared a post while on a flight to Johannesburg for the G20 summit. He wrote about spending hours choosing clothes that "wouldn't look cheap" and costumes that would "earn respect" on the diplomatic stage – even jokingly, he had to buy them "against his will".
What was intended to show a concerned side had the opposite effect. Online critics slammed her comments as superficial and accused her of wasting taxpayers' money by boasting about "outdoing others" with her fashion choices.
The next day, Mahito hit back, quoting his post: "I just want to ask, how can such a stupid person be a national leader? Do I want to spoil your taste? See you at GEZAN's Budokan show – I'll save a front row ticket for you." That tweet made a splash, garnering more than 3 million views and nearly 10,000 likes in a matter of days, turning it into one of the biggest politics-meets-music demonstrations of 2025 in Japan.
Under increasing pressure, Mahito issued a formal statement titled "Regarding that tweet" on 29 November.
"Using the word 'baka' was emotional and childish. No matter who it was intended for, it is not appropriate… I was not defending the Chinese government. Every subject was me. I have met countless faces through live shows, and now feel the threat of those connections being severed. That fear made me angry."
He stressed that his anger was not about supporting any government, but about the fear that cultural exchange between Japan and China could end. GEZAN toured China in 2024, building stronger relationships with fans and musicians. Ayumi Hamasaki, Maki Otsuki, and even seeing the cancellation of the "Sailor Moon" musical in China pushed him over the edge.
This statement further divided public opinion:
- Young fans and the indie scene cheered: "No need to apologize! You said what we couldn't." "This is what rock should be."
- Conservatives and some online voices continued to attack: "Apologize to the Prime Minister." "Who is this? A band that can't sell tickets while acting tough."
It's worth noting that GEZAN is not an unknown act. They are regulars at Fuji Rock and will headline Japan's famous Budokan in March 2026. Mahito has also published novels and a Taiwan travel guide, and is known for live shows that blend tenderness with raw intensity. Ironically, this controversy led to an increase in searches for "Gezan Budoka, making his joke about saving front row seats a reality.
Mahito concluded his statement with: "I still believe that live music can transcend boundaries." And that front row? It has already become a rallying cry for young fans heading to Budokan in 2026.
