LDP's Largest Faction to Disband in Wake of Political Funds Scandal

Jan 19, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The largest faction in Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has decided to disband in response to a political funds scandal.

The faction once led by the late prime minister Abe Shinzo made the decision at a general meeting on Friday.

Prosecutors filed charges against the faction's chief treasurer and two lawmakers who left the faction on Friday. They arrested another lawmaker in the faction last week on January 7.

They are accused of underreporting about 4 million dollars in revenues from fundraising parties.

Former education minister Shionoya Ryu, who serves as the faction's acting leader, apologized for letting down the public, LDP supporters and party officials.

He said he deeply regrets not having done much more as the acting leader.

He made the remarks at the faction's first general meeting since investigators raided its office last month.

Shionoya briefed participants on developments in the situation and a plan to correct political funds reports of the offices of the members involved in the scandal.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who is the LDP president, has announced his intention to dissolve the faction he led until recently.

Participants at the general meeting discussed their faction's future and decided to disband it.

Source: NHK

Osaka’s Minami Rebuilt Into Tourist Hub

Osaka’s Minami district, now entering another period of major change with the planned opening of the Naniwasuji Line, the redevelopment of Midosuji and improvements around Nankai Namba Station, has transformed from an area once described as "scary" and "dirty" into one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations.

Crowds Join First Pull of 10-Ton Gion Festival Float

A 10-ton hoko float was pulled through central Kyoto on July 12 in a trial run ahead of the Yamahoko Junko procession during the Gion Festival's early parade.

Young Doctors Flock to Cosmetic Medicine

A growing number of young doctors in Japan are moving directly into cosmetic medicine after obtaining a medical license and completing their initial clinical training, raising concern that the trend may be worsening staff shortages in insurance-covered medical care.

Typhoon No. 9 Travel Disruptions Continue on Some Okinawa Routes

Transport disruption from Typhoon No. 9 (Bavi) continued on July 12, with airlines warning that some flights serving Okinawa’s outlying islands could still face delays, cancellations or conditional operations even after the storm moved away from the prefecture.

JAXA Successfully Lands Reusable Rocket Test Vehicle

JAXA successfully landed a small experimental vehicle for a reusable rocket on July 11, marking a step toward technology that could increase the frequency of space launches while helping reduce costs.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Fukuoka Assembly Faces Scrutiny Over Luxury Travel

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is facing mounting scrutiny over its use of public funds after revelations that assembly members spent about 45 million yen in one year on overseas inspection trips, including a Hawaii visit that cost nearly 12 million yen for four members.

Osaka City Approves Japan's First Citywide Vacant Home Tax

Neyagawa in Osaka Prefecture has approved Japan's first citywide tax on vacant homes, imposing a new municipal levy at a rate of 35% on owners in addition to existing fixed-asset taxes from fiscal 2029.

Reiwa Party Chief Steps Down Over Speeding and Health Issues

Taro Yamamoto, leader of Reiwa Shinsengumi, announced on July 10 that he will resign as party leader and retire from politics, citing both a speeding violation that resulted in criminal penalties and ongoing health problems.

Takaichi’s Growth Strategy Under Pressure

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic strategy came under renewed scrutiny on July 8 as the government considered softening language in its long-term policy blueprint that had raised concerns over political pressure on the Bank of Japan, while the administration continued to face Diet tensions over its legislative agenda before the current session ends next week.

Japan, U.S., South Korea Agree to Promote Next-Generation Small Modular Reactors

Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed to work together to promote the introduction of next-generation small modular reactors, signing a memorandum of cooperation at a foreign ministers' meeting in Turkey on July 7.

LDP and Ishin Leaders Meet as Diet Remains Stalled

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura held talks on July 7 as Diet deliberations remained stalled over opposition resistance to two bills Ishin is seeking to pass, including legislation to cut the number of lawmakers and a bill to establish a secondary capital.

Opposition Boycott Leaves Diet Committees Running on Empty

Opposition parties boycotted Diet deliberations after accusing the ruling bloc of forcing debate on bills to cut the number of lawmakers and create a secondary capital system, leaving committee sessions to proceed without them and exposing widening rifts not only between the ruling and opposition camps but also within the government and ruling coalition.

Japanese-Descended Keiko Fujimori Wins Peru Presidential Election

Peru's election authorities formally announced on July 3 that Keiko Fujimori, the Japanese-descended eldest daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, had won the country's presidential runoff election.

< 2 3 4 5 >