Kiichi Inoue

Kiichi Inoue
井上 喜一
Official portrait, 2003
Member of the House of Representatives
In office 6 July 1986 – 21 July 2009
Preceded by	Susumu Shiota
Succeeded by	Shōichi Takahashi
Constituency	Hyōgo 3rd (1986–1996) Hyōgo 4th (1996–2009)
Personal details
Born	(1932-05-24)24 May 1932 Kasai, Hyōgo, Japan
Died	16 December 2010(2010-12-16) (aged 78) Kasai, Hyōgo, Japan
Party	Liberal Democratic (1986–1993; 2003–2010)
Other political affiliations	JRP (1993–1994) NFP (1994–1998) LP (1998–2000) NCP (2000–2003)
Alma mater	University of Tokyo

Kiichi Inoue (井上 喜一, Inoue Kiichi; May 24, 1932 – December 16, 2010) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kasai, Hyōgo and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1955. He was elected to the House of Representatives for Hyōgo 3rd district for the first time in 1986. He later represented the Hyōgo 4th district, and served as a House member until his defeat in 2009.

Controversy

Following the Sasebo slashing in 2004, where a 11-year old girl murdered a 12-year old girl, Inoue referred to Girl A, the murderer, as genki (vigorous, lively), a word with positive connotations. He also remarked that "Men have committed thoughtless, harsh acts but I think this is the first for a girl. Recently the difference between men and women is shrinking." These comments drew criticism from women's groups.

Death

On December 16, 2010, Inoue died of pneumonia at the age of 78.