Rui Matsukawa

Rui Arai (新居 るい, Arai Rui, née Matsukawa, 松川; February 26, 1971) is a Japanese politician and diplomat who serves as a member of the House of Councillors representing the Liberal Democratic Party. She previously served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office. She is the wife of diplomat Yūsuke Arai.

Early life and education Matsukawa was born in Ōita Prefecture, and raised in Osaka Prefecture. After graduating from Shitennoji Junior and Senior High School, she studied law at the University of Tokyo.

Career

Diplomatic career Matsukawa entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, after graduating from university. She was appointed assistant director of the Legal Affairs Division in the Treaty Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1999. In 2002, she became assistant director of the Regional Policy Division in the Asia and Pacific Bureau. She was elected for the first time as the top vote-getter in the Osaka electoral district.

She was re-elected to the House of Councillors in July 2022.

Controversies

Comment on elderly Japanese people On March 2, 2020, Matsukawa caused disorder during a questioning of the House of Councillors Budget Committee (regarding the countermeasures against the COVID-19 pandemic), when she fielded the comment: "Elderly Japanese people don't walk, so they are fine." Renhō, a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, who asking the question as she said: "I am surprised that such a statement came from a member of the ruling party." Afterwards, Matsukawa explained to the press that "Elderly people in facilities typically have their comings and goings properly controlled," and also said that "I regret the misleading expression. If anyone was offended, I apologize." On August 1, Hiroshige Sekō, Secretary General of the House of Councillors of the Liberal Democratic Party, stated that "it was thoughtless of her to upload photos on social media that could be mistaken for tourism," and said that he had given Matsukawa a stern warning. On the other hand, Matsukawa herself said, "The training itself was meaningful. I was able to hear in detail about the process and results of the compulsory early childhood education from the age of three in France, and had a meaningful exchange of opinions with people from the Senate and the National Assembly about women's activities in politics."

Personal life Matsukawa's family includes her husband Yusuke Arai and two daughters.