Yōhei Kōno

Yōhei Kōno, 89, died on June 10, 2026. Yōhei Kōno was known publicly as a Japanese politician and deputy prime minister (1994–1995) and speaker of the House of Representatives (2003–2009). He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from November 2003 until August 2009, when the LDP lost its majority in the 2009 election. Kōno served as speaker for the longest length since the set up of House of Representatives in 1890. He was the president of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations from 1999 to 2013. Public biographical listings identify Kōno as a Japanese politician. Kōno was also associated with deputy prime minister (1994–1995) and speaker of the House of Representatives (2003–2009). This public record remains centered on Kōno's work as a Japanese politician and deputy prime minister (1994–1995) and speaker of the House of Representatives (2003–2009) and the documented milestones of that career.