Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing political pressure after distributing gifts to newly elected lawmakers following her party’s recent landslide victory in the national elections. The gifts, intended as a token of appreciation for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members’ success, have sparked scrutiny from opposition parties and the public.
Takaichi explained on social media platform X that over 300 MPs were allowed to choose gifts from a catalog. She stated the gesture was meant to show gratitude for their hard work during a difficult election, and clarified that no taxpayer money was used.
The controversy evokes memories of the 2023 LDP funding scandal, which forced then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to resign. His successor, Shigeru Ishiba, also faced setbacks when the LDP lost its majority in both parliamentary chambers last year.
Opposition leader Junia Ogawa of the Centrist Reform Alliance criticized the gift distribution, saying it raises public suspicion: “People may naturally ask—Prime Minister Takaichi, does this involve you? She must be held strictly accountable.”
In parliament on Wednesday, Takaichi disclosed that each gift—including transport and taxes—was valued at approximately 30,000 yen (around $190). The funds were drawn from the political account of the LDP’s Nara prefectural branch, which she chairs. She added on X that the gifts were intended to support MPs in their future legislative work.
Japan’s political funding laws prohibit direct donations to individual candidates but allow contributions via political parties or their local branches. This is not the first recent gift-related controversy: last March, Shigeru Ishiba faced allegations for presenting certificates worth 100,000 yen each to 15 newly elected lower house members using his personal funds.
Sources: Channel News Asia, The Straits Times, South China Morning Post, AFP.