Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) just can’t seem to steer clear of trouble these days. It’s like every other headline features the party tangled up in more misconduct and shady dealings. But let’s be real, this isn’t some recent trend for them. The LDP has a track record as long as your arm, from outrageous statements to controversial beliefs all the way to tax evasion scandals.
Ever since the slush funds scandal hit the headlines back in November 2023, it seems like the LDP’s sketchy use of political funds has been under the microscope once and for all. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any wilder, fresh photos have surfaced showing LDP young members letting loose at a bondage party. Whether you’re into that scene or not, what adds fuel to the fire is the suspicion that taxpayers’ money is funding politicians’ entertainment.
LDP behind closed doors
On March 19th, the Weekly Bunshun dropped a bombshell with four revealing photos of members from the LDP Saitama Prefectural Federation’s Youth Bureau enjoying a lively party. Amongst the snapshots, one stood out: a masked man, bound in ropes, and wearing only underwear. Opposite him stood none other than Takumi Tamura, the Bureau chief at the time, decked out in AKB48 cosplay, confidently holding a microphone.
The bar allegedly sits near Warabi Station in Saitama, featuring an eye-catching sign that reads “We’ve started the turtle-shell bondage”. Tamura, leading the pack, was joined by 15 other LDP young members. When questioned, Tamura made it clear: it was just a bar, not an SM club or anything like it. Yet, he didn’t shy away from responsibility, promptly resigning. While the choice of entertainment sparked controversy, the real issue runs deeper than the party scene itself.
The Bureau verified that the participation fee for a prior event was 5,000 yen per person. However, details about this specific party were not sorted out beforehand, and no participation fees were collected. According to a witness, the bar chosen for the gathering charged roughly 2,000 yen per person only for entry. This begs the question: where did this money come from?
On the same day of the party, January 5, 2016, the financial report of the Saitama Prefectural Federation showed that assembly members received 100,000 yen of public funds. Even if this money wasn’t directly used for the party, chances are that alternative sources were tapped into.
Activity funds, backed by taxpayers, fly under the financial radar, enabling potential diversion for personal entertainment without scrutiny. In other words, you never quite know where your taxes will end up. They could go towards national interests, or they might just fund politicians’ fun.
An everlasting vortex
It’s not like this was even the LDP’s only party scandal this year.
Just last month, leaked photos exposed another event held on November 18th, featuring some “extreme dance shows.” About 50 LDP members were caught red-handed delighting in the performances of the ‘Glamour Dancers,’ who were sporting swimsuits. As they swayed around the tables, LDP members actively slipped tips into the dancers’ swimsuits or even directly into their mouths.
The event garnered considerable attendance from Wakayama Youth Bureau parliamentarians and local government members from the Kinki region. Allegedly, both directors of the Bureau, Takashi Fujiwara and Yasutaka Nakasone, were present but claimed ignorance regarding the nature of the gathering beforehand. Following the incident, both directors resigned, acknowledging the inappropriateness of it all.
But now, onto the most pressing question: who footed the bill for this party? Despite initial concerns regarding another potential misuse of public funds, it turned out that everyone chipped in, from the participants to the federation. The Youth Bureau Chief, Tetsuya Kawabata, made sure to drive this home just before calling it quits.
However, even with this information out there, it’s hard to shake the feeling that something’s seriously amiss within the LDP party. Seiichi Eda, chairman of the party’s ethics committee, called the situation incredibly embarrassing and damaging to the credibility of a group that had vowed to lead the charge for reforms.
The public didn’t hold back either. Some on X expressed utter disbelief in the system, even branding Japan as the most corrupt country globally. Freelance announcer Ijima Furutachi didn’t mince words, delivering sharp criticism on YouTube, accusing LDP politicians of doing whatever they pleased.
“After getting into politics, they satisfy their honor, feed their greed with slush funds, and now, are they indulging their sexual desires with affairs and sexy dancers? They’ve truly picked an easy occupation,” he lamented.
Approval hitting rock bottom
The cascade of scandals has predictably taken its toll on the LDP’s approval ratings. According to NHK, they’ve plummeted by over 10 points since the inception of the Kishida Cabinet in October 2021.
Asahi’s recent nationwide poll confirms this trend, showing the LDP’s support rate stagnant at a mere 22%. The survey also sheds light on how the public is coping with the aftermath of these scandals and the ongoing flow of information.
When questioned about their thoughts on Kishida’s handling of the fund scandal, a staggering 81% expressed dissatisfaction. An overwhelming 90% found the explanations provided by LDP faction leaders lacking.
Moreover, concerning the controversial dance show that saw LDP lawmakers eagerly spectating, 80% of the public deemed it problematic.
Despite the prevailing discontent, a recent joint poll by Fuji News Network and Sankei Shinbun revealed that the Kishida Cabinet’s approval rating inched up by 1 point compared to the previous month. This comes as a surprise, given Kishida’s pivotal role as the leader of a party embroiled in scandals. However, recent economic strides may have played a part in Kishida regaining trust among voters. Notably, the long-awaited wage increase has led to the highest wage growth rate in 33 years, according to union data.
Kishida’s only shot at keeping his cabinet afloat may be ramping up economic reforms in the next six months. After all, who knows what new scandal lurks around the corner at LDP headquarters.
Much needed change
The future of the LDP in the next elections remains uncertain. Surprisingly, the Kishida cabinet navigates smoother waters than the broader political party. Yet, when scandals erupt within the LDP, it’s hard for individuals to avoid the impending storm.
The recent uproar surrounding parties has sparked public outrage and drawn criticism from opposing factions. While financial concerns play a part, it’s the perceived inappropriateness of top political figures that’s causing a stir.
But let’s end on a more critical note. Over the years, LDP politicians have held firm to their conservative values, impeding Japan’s journey towards embracing human and civil rights. Whether it’s same-sex marriages, dual surnames, or other crucial reforms for inclusivity, they’ve been resistant. Yet, if this is the genuine face and ethical stance of those shaping the nation’s future, it calls for serious reflection before the next vote.
Sources
自民県議に「SM緊縛パーティー」報道…「子どもの安心安全を語るな」と激怒させた“留守番禁止条例”の過去 Yahoo News Japan
「パンツ1枚の県議を縄で縛り…」和歌山過激ダンスショーにつづき…自民党青年局に再び激震「SM緊縛パーティ」を開催していた Yahoo News Japan
自民に新たな火種和歌山県連の過激ダンスショー問題、青年局長が引責辞任も鎮火せず The Sankei Shimbun
自民党〝過激ダンスショー〟調査報告の生々しい中身「動画や写真撮影したら削除」 東スポ
日本の国会議員「多すぎるだろ！」 自民の不祥事相次ぐなか…古舘伊知郎が一喝「無駄で暇な議員は減らしてもらいたい」 Yahoo News Japan
岸田首相、露出多い女性ら招いた自民党懇親会は「不適切で遺憾」 BBC
政党支持率 自民下落20％台に 立民 維新も伸びず NHK世論調査 NHK
「自民党はキライだが岸田さんはキライじゃない」という人が多いのだとしたら… Yahoo News Japan
内閣不支持率67％、政権復帰以降最高 支持率22％ 朝日世論調査 Asahi Shimbun
