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

TOKYO, Jan 19 (NHK) - 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

Final Chapter for 'Bōsōzoku'?

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

'Spring Delicacy' Firefly Squid Fishery in Full Swing

The firefly squid fishery is at its peak in Shinonsen, Hyogo Prefecture, as the small bioluminescent squid, a seasonal delicacy of the Sea of Japan, is being hauled in.

Japan’s 'Most Dangerous' Zoo to Close in September Over Legal Issues

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

One Month to Expo: International Pavilions Near Completion

With just one month to go until the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 opens on April 13, preparations are nearing completion. Visitors can now get an early glimpse of the atmosphere at the venue, where various pavilions are taking shape.

'Kawazu Sakura Festival' Extended as Unusual Weather Delays Bloom

Unusual weather delayed the bloom of Kawazu cherry blossoms in Shizuoka Prefecture by two weeks, leading to a nine-day extension of the Kawazu Sakura Festival.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan Approves Bill to Strengthen Penalties Against Host Clubs

In response to cases where female customers were burdened with excessive debts and coerced into prostitution, the Japanese government approved an amendment to the Entertainment Business Law during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

High School Tuition Waiver Agreed, but Experts Warn Costs May Not Decline

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its coalition partner Komeito, and the opposition Japan Innovation Party have reached an agreement to waive high school tuition fees. But what exactly will change under this policy?

Anger Mounts Over Japan's Tax Policy

A demonstration demanding the abolition of the consumption tax and the restructuring of the Finance Ministry took place in front of the ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district on February 24th. The scene at around 5 p.m. was markedly different from the usual atmosphere.

Can Japan Afford the Future? Key Economic Debates on Investment and Tax Reform

Economist Toshihiro Nagahama joined lawmaker Yuichiro Tamaki for an urgent discussion on Japan’s economic policies. The conversation took place against the backdrop of the Ishiba administration’s efforts to pass the 2025 fiscal budget by the end of March, with opposition parties playing a crucial role in shaping policy decisions.

Japan to Allow 'Taiwan' in Family Register

Japan's Justice Ministry has announced that starting in May, it will amend regulations to allow regional names to be listed in the nationality field of family registers when Japanese citizens marry foreign nationals.

Fukuoka to Shelter 47,000 Okinawa Residents if Taiwan Conflict Erupts

Fukuoka Prefecture announced on Monday a plan to accommodate evacuees from Okinawa in the event of a Taiwan-related contingency. Under the plan, seven cities, including Fukuoka City, will serve as temporary shelters.

Debate Stalls Over Japan's Imperial Succession

Representatives from various political parties in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors met on February 17th for a plenary session to discuss measures to secure the number of imperial family members. The debate focused on whether female members of the imperial family should retain their status after marriage.

Why Is Osaka’s Budget at a Record High

Osaka City's 2025 budget proposal is set to reach a record high. While the city's debt has been reduced by nearly half over the past 20 years, financial projections indicate that deficits will persist for the next decade. Why is this happening?

< 2 3 4 5 >