FUKUOKA - The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly elected a new chairman after the resignation of longtime power broker Isao Kuranouchi, while a photograph showing an opposition lawmaker striking a pose reminiscent of the movie Titanic during an overseas inspection trip has triggered a fresh political controversy.
The assembly held an election for chairman on September 10 following Kuranouchi's departure in connection with allegations involving the exchange of money over the chairman's post.
Jin Oshima of the Liberal Democratic Party, the assembly's largest caucus, and Masahiko Fukami of Komeito, the second-largest group, each received 39 votes.
With the vote tied, the chairman was decided by drawing lots, and Oshima was selected, returning the post to the LDP caucus that had held it for many years.
Kuranouchi announced on August 25 that he would resign as an assembly member following allegations involving money and politics, but nearly two weeks later he had still not provided a full explanation to residents of the prefecture.
The allegations emerged following accusations made by prefectural assembly member Akira Yoshimatsu. Four of the five lawmakers named in connection with the controversy have since resigned from either their assembly seats or other positions.
The fallout has now spread beyond the LDP to the opposition.
A photograph taken during an inspection trip to Thailand has drawn criticism after circulating online in September. The image shows Kyoko Ota, head of the Democratic Party for the People's Fukuoka prefectural organization, posing with Kuranouchi in a manner resembling the famous bow-of-the-ship scene from the movie Titanic.
Ota said the photograph was taken during a social gathering held as part of the inspection trip.
According to her explanation, a live band was performing at the gathering when the theme song from Titanic began playing. Around 10 participants went onto the stage and initially struck poses individually before eventually pairing up as the atmosphere became more animated.
The photograph of Ota and Kuranouchi was taken during that sequence.
After the image spread online and attracted a wave of criticism, Ota announced her intention to resign as head of the Democratic Party for the People's Fukuoka organization.
"Although it took place at a social gathering that was part of an inspection trip funded with public money, I deeply regret that it was highly inappropriate behavior, and I would like to apologize to the people of the prefecture," Ota said.
She added that criticism from residents over her conduct was justified and that she needed to reflect on her own actions.
The controversy comes as the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly faces broader questions over political ethics following the series of resignations connected to allegations involving money and the chairmanship.
Attention is now focused on whether the assembly can restore public confidence under its newly elected chairman.
Source: KTV NEWS
