Japan’s Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda has drawn global attention after a video showing her running into a government building went viral on social media.
The incident occurred on Friday morning when Onoda arrived five minutes late for a Cabinet meeting.
Footage circulating online showed the minister jumping out of her vehicle before rushing up the stairs and passing a group of waiting journalists as she hurried to make it to the meeting room.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, had already begun while Onoda’s seat remained empty.
She managed to take her place in the meeting room only a few minutes after the session had started.
Traffic Accident Caused Delay
In a follow-up statement, Onoda explained that the delay was caused by an unexpected traffic jam following a road accident.
Acknowledging the strong emphasis on punctuality in Japanese culture, the minister issued a public apology to the nation over the incident.
She said that she normally arrives 15 to 20 minutes earlier for official engagements, stressing that the situation had been beyond her control.
Public Reaction Positive
Onoda also pledged to be more cautious with her time management to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.
Her swift response and willingness to apologise were widely praised by members of the public, with many describing her actions as a reflection of professionalism and accountability among government leaders.
The incident has also sparked broader discussions online about discipline and work ethics within public service.
