07.03.2026 17:53
Japan's State Minister for Economic Security, Kimo Onoda, ran like a marathon runner in the Prime Minister's office after being just 5 minutes late to the Cabinet meeting. After the delay, Onoda apologized in front of the cameras, stating that he was late due to a traffic standstill caused by an accident while traveling on the highway, and said, "I will improve my crisis management."
Japan's Minister of State for Economic Security, Akiko Onoda, was seen running in the Prime Minister's office building after arriving 5 minutes late to a Cabinet meeting. Those moments went viral on social media as a "symbol of Japanese discipline."
In Japan, one of the most punctual countries in the world, there was an unusual activity at the top of the government. Minister of State for Economic Security, Akiko Onoda, set aside official protocol and sprinted through the corridors to reach the meeting room after arriving just 5 minutes late to the critical Cabinet meeting held in the morning.
THE CHAIR REMAINED EMPTY
In the footage released to the press before the meeting, which started around 08:20 in the morning, it was noticed that Minister Onoda's chair was empty. Shortly after the meeting began, Onoda entered the Prime Minister's office building (Kantei), and her rapid ascent up the stairs and through the corridors with her accompanying delegation was captured on camera.
EXPLAINED THE REASON FOR THE DELAY WITH AN APOLOGY
At a press conference held after the incident, Minister Onoda appeared before the cameras and apologized to the public and cabinet members, explaining the reason for the delay:
"Traffic came to a complete standstill due to an accident that occurred while I was on the highway, and I couldn't proceed. I sincerely apologize for this delay. I will manage crises more strictly."
JAPANESE DISCIPLINE IS ON THE AGENDA AGAIN
These images, which have started to be referred to as "Kantei Dash" (Prime Minister's Run) in Japan, once again highlighted the importance placed on punctuality in the country. Social media users commented, "The effort made for just 5 minutes is a sign of respect for work and society."