Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sparked controversy following remarks made during a visit to Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, on June 7, 2025. Ishiba commented that hearing the name Gunma conjures an image of "many scary people" and described women in the region as "strong," adding that this could be intimidating. He clarified that these statements were not intended to express any discriminatory intent. The remarks drew criticism from opposition leaders, including the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, who said the comments could hurt women in Gunma and urged more careful language. However, Gunma Governor Yamamoto defended Ishiba, stating there was no problem or discriminatory intent in the remarks and questioned the media's reaction. Amidst this controversy, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi emphasized on June 9 that there were no reports of harm to Japanese nationals following clashes between immigrant enforcement authorities and protesters in Los Angeles, where the National Guard was deployed. Additionally, Prime Minister Ishiba announced strengthened measures on foreign-related issues, including investigations into illegal short-term rentals, with the establishment of a secretariat within the Cabinet Secretariat to enhance public safety and security for Japanese citizens.