Following the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) victory in the Lower House election, Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi decided to reward 315 parliament members from her party by sending each a gift catalog from a department store. Each parliament member could select a gift valued at approximately 30,000 yen (192 USD), which included shipping and tax costs.

Speaking before parliament on 25/2, Takaichi stated that the costs were covered by the political fund of the LDP's Nara provincial branch, which she heads. She affirmed that these gifts were not purchased with state funds.

“I sent these gifts to express my appreciation for their victory in a fiercely contested election, and to support their future legislative work”, Takaichi emphasized.

Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi attends a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on 24/2. *AFP*

This incident, however, recalled the "slush fund" scandal that rocked the LDP in 2023, which plagued former prime minister Fumio Kishida and increased voter anger. The coalition of Kishida's successor, Shigeru Ishiba, also lost its majority in both houses of parliament last year due to this scandal.

“Information about these catalogs could easily lead people to say, ‘Prime minister Takaichi, are you doing the same?’ This is a new development, and she will have to bear full responsibility”, said Junya Ogawa, leader of the main opposition Reform Alliance.

Japan's political funding law stipulates that individuals cannot donate to electoral candidates, but contributions can be made through political parties, including their local branches.

Former prime minister Ishiba was criticized last March for allegedly giving gift vouchers worth 100,000 yen (642 USD), paid for with personal funds, to 15 Lower House parliament members during a dinner.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)