Osaka Chapter of Japan Innovation Party Faces Scrutiny Over Government-Funded Payments
In a recent development that has sparked public concern, the Osaka chapter of Nippon Ishin, also known as the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), has been found to have used government-funded party subsidies to pay a company for “flyer production costs.” This company is led by a public secretary of Fumitake Fujita, one of the co-leaders of the JIP. The information was revealed by the Mainichi Shimbun on November 5.
This revelation comes after it was previously disclosed that the same company received substantial sums from taxpayer money for “flyer printing costs” from Fujita’s team. According to the 2024 party subsidy expenditure report from the JIP Osaka general chapter, approximately 1 million yen (about $6,500) was paid to the company for these costs. The Osaka chapter is led by Hirofumi Yoshimura, who is also the governor of Osaka and the leader of the JIP.
Fujita’s case involves a situation where the secretary of the company received compensation, raising concerns about potential kickbacks involving taxpayer money. Fujita has acknowledged the criticism, stating, “I sincerely accept the criticism that the structure of ordering from my secretary’s firm in itself raises misunderstandings and doubts,” but he maintains that the actions were “legally appropriate.”
While the expenses of the Osaka chapter are separate from Fujita’s case, the JIP has publicly emphasized its guiding principle of “self-sacrificing reforms” aimed at reducing spending on politicians and vested interests. As a coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the JIP is under pressure to clarify how public funds are being allocated to a company closely associated with it.
Toru Hashimoto, the former mayor of Osaka and founder of the JIP, expressed his skepticism on X on November 5, stating, “Just as was expected. This makes one wonder if other Ishin lawmakers are also placing orders. How much gross profit did the company associated with Mr. Fujita generate?”
Yoshimura addressed the Osaka chapter’s expenses on November 5, saying, “I am not aware (of them), but if there is a record, I think there was an order.” He acknowledged the lack of existing rules in this area, noting, “It’s difficult to draw clear lines in this regard.” Yoshimura also mentioned that there is no hierarchical relationship between the Osaka chapter and Fujita’s secretary’s company, but emphasized the importance of ensuring that no external doubts arise regarding the use of public funds.
The JIP has internal regulations that prohibit public fund expenditures to relatives within three degrees of kinship. In response to the issue involving Fujita, Yoshimura had previously indicated plans to extend the prohibition to include companies led by politicians themselves or their secretaries. This move is seen as a step towards addressing the concerns raised by the recent revelations.