Sanae Takaichi’s campaign team handed out premium catalog gifts worth around 30,000 yen each to Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers elected in Japan’s House of Representatives race on October 8. Officials visited winning candidates’ offices to deliver these high-value items directly.
The gifts, labeled for Takaichi, allow recipients to choose desired products from a catalog, serving as thoughtful incentives reflecting the recipient’s preferences.
Wide Distribution Confirmed
Campaign associates report extending these catalog sets beyond new victors to include incumbents who secured re-election. At least four prominent LDP faction leaders verified receiving the packages from Takaichi’s office.
Timing Amid Funding Probes
This action unfolds against scrutiny over LDP slush fund issues tied to the party’s 2023 presidential contests. Just three months earlier, Takaichi’s group distributed gift certificates valued at 100,000 yen per person—equivalent to about 930,000 South Korean won—to central executive election winners.
Even members facing political money irregularities received them initially but returned the certificates later.
Growing Party Concerns
Public distrust deepens amid ongoing proper funding challenges, with analysts noting potential impacts on late-March budget reviews. Inside the LDP, frustrations surface, as one insider questioned, “Even with such issues before, why repeat this?” Another stressed, “They should bear responsibility and return the gifts.”
Takaichi’s Explanation
Takaichi clarified on her X account October 24, “These items express congratulations and celebratory feelings donated to all party members after the House election.”
