窪田哲也

Tetsuya Kubota is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Councillors, representing the Komeito party. Born in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, he graduated from Meiji University's Faculty of Law. Before entering politics, he spent 32 years as a journalist for the Komei Shimbun, where he covered significant events such as the Unzen-Fugen-dake volcanic disaster and issues surrounding U.S. military bases in Okinawa. After unsuccessful bids for the House of Councillors in 2013 and the House of Representatives in 2021, he was elected to the House of Councillors in July 2022. His political focus includes strengthening Japan-U.S. relations and addressing social issues, drawing on his extensive experience as a reporter.