Chikage Koga, a lawmaker of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said in a House of Councillors committee meeting on June 15, 2026, that children in economic hardship join the Self-Defense Forces, while children who are well off do not. According to Mainichi.jp, she stated that children who join the Self-Defense Forces are economically challenged. The Japan Times reported her as saying wealthy children do not become SDF personnel. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi characterized Koga’s remarks as completely untrue and, according to the Japan Times, also called them prejudiced and unacceptable. According to Mainichi.jp, Koizumi claimed Koga’s remarks disrespected SDF members. Koichi Hagiuda, acting secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, expressed disbelief at Koga’s remarks and called them disrespectful to SDF members and their families. Chikage Koga withdrew her remarks and apologized, according to Mainichi.jp. Separately, Komeito lawmaker Nishida Makoto questioned Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae about appointing lawmakers who have not properly reported their political funds to ministerial posts. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said she appointed state ministers and parliamentary vice ministers based on the idea of mobilizing all members of all generations. She also apologized again over a slush fund scandal involving some LDP lawmakers and stated that those involved have adequately accounted for their actions. Kamiya Sohei, leader of Sanseito, took part in a question session for the first time, according to NTV.co.jp.