'Facts basically true': Japan opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki admits to extramarital affair ahead of Prime Minister vote

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of Japan's Democratic Party for the People (DPP), admitted to having an extramarital affair on Monday. The admission came just hours before lawmakers were set to vote on the country's next prime minister.

Tamaki confirmed the allegations, which surfaced in a report by tabloid SmartFlash, at a press conference.

“The facts reported this morning are basically true," Tamaki stated. He also issued an apology, saying, "I apologise for the trouble caused."

The DPP holds significant sway in the upcoming vote, making Tamaki a key figure in determining Japan's next leader.

Japanese PM faces uncertain future after election loss
Japanese lawmakers will decide on Monday whether Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will keep his job after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority.

Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito won the most seats in the election on October 1. However, they lost the majority they held since 2012. The election was called early by Ishiba, who just became PM.

The LDP needs the support of smaller parties to form a government. DPP has said it will not join a coalition with the LDP. However, it may support some of their policies.

DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki said on Friday: "Party members would not vote for Ishiba at Monday's special parliamentary session."

This means Ishiba may struggle to pass laws even if he remains PM.