Tokyo International News Agency

South Korean special prosecutors have demanded a 13-year prison sentence for Hak Ja Han, the president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly known as the Unification Church). The demand comes amid charges including violations of political funding laws related to the illicit provision of funds to political figures, a development that has caused significant repercussions in both South Korea and Japan. The Trial Proceedings During the sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court on July 10, 2026, the special prosecutor argued that Han utilized donations from followers for personal gain, characterizing the crimes as grave. According to the indictment, Han allegedly provided illicit funds to influential political figures, including the wife of the former South Korean president. Han’s defense team continues to deny the allegations, and all eyes are on the upcoming judicial decision. Reactions in Japan and Political Distrust The news quickly trended...

On July 9, 2026, Taro Yamamoto, the high-profile leader of Japan's progressive-populist party Reiwa Shinsengumi, announced his resignation as party chief, citing "health issues." The announcement has sent shockwaves across social media, especially as it coincides with reports that the party's co-leader, Akiko Oishi, is planning to defect. The double blow has sparked intense speculation and concern over the party's future. Yamamoto's resignation comes on the heels of a recent scandal where he was cited for a serious traffic violation, allegedly driving 149 km/h (approx. 93 mph) in an 80 km/h zone. Online critics have been unsparing, with many demanding not just his resignation as party leader but his outright resignation from parliament. Some suspect the timing, suggesting he used health issues as a convenient excuse to escape accountability. Critics have also pointed to his past controversial remarks, recent reports of an overseas trip, and the party's dev...

On June 22, 2026, a clash erupted between the ruling and opposition parties during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's questioning style, throwing the chamber into temporary chaos. The opposition strongly criticized Takaichi, claiming her failure to address questions directly amounted to a "de facto refusal to answer." The phrase "refusal to answer" subsequently trended on social media, sparking widespread public debate. Defensive Maneuvers Over the "Sanae Token" Controversy During the committee session, Yuichi Goto of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and others rigorously grilled the Prime Minister. Their questions focused on allegations surrounding the so-called "Sanae Token," suspicious activities involving secretaries at Takaichi's office, and defamatory online videos. Goto pressed Takaichi on specific facts, such as whether her secretary had registered ...

Tadashi Motegi, a secretary to the Chief Cabinet Secretary and known as one of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's closest aides, is facing intense scrutiny on social media following reports of habitual "fraudulent business trips" funded by taxpayers. According to reports, last year, while serving as the Chief International Exhibition Coordinating Officer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, Motegi allegedly used official business trips to Osaka as opportunities to invite a woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair to stay at his hotels. These questionable trips involving overnight stays occurred at least five times, raising suspicions that he only paid hotel fees for a single guest despite having a companion. Motegi is a bureaucrat who has long enjoyed the deep trust of Prime Minister Takaichi, having previously served as her secretary during her tenure as State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. His appointment to his current role in the Prime Minister's official...

During the House of Representatives Budget Committee session on the 4th, opposition lawmakers fiercely grilled Prime Minister Takaichi over allegations that her campaign was involved in mass-posting smear videos. Shinichi Isa, a lawmaker from the centrist reformist group, pressed the Prime Minister to confirm whether a voice in an audio recording—allegedly showing an exchange between the video creator and Takaichi's local secretary—belonged to her secretary, having submitted the question in advance. However, Prime Minister Takaichi refused to verify the audio, claiming she "did not want to become a paid subscriber" to the media outlet. This response has triggered a torrent of criticism both within the Diet and on social media, with critics calling it "contempt of parliament" and an "unprecedented excuse." "Saw it at 3:30 AM," "Didn't want to pay for a subscription" The focus of the questioning was audio data released by the prom...

A new development has emerged in the "Sanae Token" controversy following a report by *Weekly Bunshun*. The individual identified as responsible for the token made an "exclusive confession," claiming that all relevant information had been relayed to Ms. Takaichi's office. This confession directly contradicts Prime Minister Takaichi's previous statements, in which she insisted she "had no knowledge whatsoever" of the matter. *Weekly Bunshun* further reported the existence of "audio evidence" supporting this claim, intensifying the suspicions surrounding the issue. On social media, various reactions to the report have been observed. Many users are demanding a direct explanation from Prime Minister Takaichi, with comments such as, "At this point, Prime Minister Takaichi has a responsibility to hold a press conference and explain clearly in her own voice." Other opinions expressed include, "If this is true, it's a serious pr...

A shocking post by Yuko Nakagawa, the widow of the late former Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa, has caused a stir on social media, reigniting interest in the truth behind the "drunken press conference" that once rocked Japanese politics, and the long-standing speculation surrounding his death. Yuko Nakagawa revealed that after returning home, her husband told her, "I'm going to be killed by America," and "Please take care of our children," suggesting that his unusual behavior during the press conference after the 2009 G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting might not have been merely due to poor health. At the time, Nakagawa was in charge of crucial negotiations for a $100 billion aid package to the IMF amidst a global economic crisis, and his intoxicated state was believed to have significantly impacted Japan's diplomacy and financial policy. Posts on social media are once again raising long-held suspicions that the "drunken...

The recent social media revelations by Yuko Nakagawa, widow of the late former Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa, regarding the "Drunkard Press Conference" reported at the 2009 Rome G7, have caused a significant stir. She claims to have unveiled the shocking circumstances behind the incident. At the time, Nakagawa's disoriented appearance during the press conference at the international meeting was widely considered a major factor in his political retirement and, allegedly, his subsequent death. However, according to Yuko Nakagawa's testimony, this press conference was orchestrated, and the "intoxication" was highly likely fabricated. Yuko's posts state that before the press conference, a reporter named "Echizenya" offered her husband medicine, saying, "If the press conference is canceled, why don't you take this medicine after your meal and rest?" She claims that after he took the medicine, he began to act abnormally. She also re...

On March 19, a citizen group filed a criminal complaint with the Special Investigation Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on suspicion of violating the Income Tax Act (aiding tax evasion). The complaint alleges that documents necessary for income tax deductions were improperly issued at a political fundraising party held by a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) branch headed by Ms. Takaichi, thereby aiding party ticket purchasers in evading taxes. This issue had previously garnered public attention following reports by Akahata. According to the complaint, the Prime Minister's side is suspected of having engaged in inappropriate accounting practices, which ultimately facilitated party ticket purchasers in illicitly benefiting from tax incentives. In response, Prime Minister Takaichi denied the allegations on March 13, prior to the complaint, stating in the House of Representatives Budget Committee that "the facts do not e...

Reiwa Shinsengumi, a Japanese political party, is facing serious allegations of "whistleblower suppression." Multiple media outlets have reported that a former party employee, after raising concerns about alleged "secretary salary fraud," received a warning letter from the party instructing them "not to speak further." This issue was initially brought to light by Weekly Shincho and Daily Shincho, which described the alleged actions as "despicable whistleblower suppression." On X (formerly Twitter), a wave of criticism has emerged, with many users stating that "if Reiwa Shinsengumi suppressed a whistleblower, it is extremely malicious and terrible," and demanding immediate accountability from the party. At the core of the controversy are the specific details of the "secretary salary fraud" reportedly exposed by the former employee and the party's subsequent response. Concerns have been raised that these actions may violate ...

Allegations have emerged against Reiwa Shinsengumi concerning the inappropriate "fraudulent acquisition" of public secretary salaries from the state, sparking widespread controversy on social media. According to reports by Daily Shincho, a former House of Representatives member of the party and a former secretary to Representative Taro Yamamoto have accused the party of illegally receiving public secretary salaries intended for its affiliated Diet members. The core of the allegations is that the party headquarters systematically directed secretary salaries, paid by the state to support parliamentary activities, toward "party duties" or had them funneled back to the party as "party duty cooperation fees." The accusers claim that secretaries were effectively engaged in party activities, with a portion of their salaries being remitted to the party, or that salaries were paid despite a lack of actual secretarial work. Some social media posts also suggest simil...

The Japanese government announced on the 5th that it would not conduct an interview with Joi Ito, whose connection to the late Jeffrey Epstein was highlighted in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Hayato Suzuki, Deputy Minister of the Cabinet Office, stated during a House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting that "Mr. Ito has indicated his intention to resign, and therefore, the government does not plan any further action." Ito currently serves as a steering committee member for the Cabinet Secretariat's "Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative." In response to a question from Kenta Izumi of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Deputy Minister Suzuki acknowledged that Ito has issued a statement claiming he was unaware of Epstein's crimes and committed no illegal acts himself, and that he would step down from the committee at the end of March. Based on this, Suzuki indicated the government would not conduct a detailed interview. This ...

Former South Korean President Yoon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding an insurrection. The verdict, delivered on February 19, 2026, at the Seoul Central District Court, reduced the prosecution's requested death penalty, causing significant shock both domestically and internationally. According to the ruling, former President Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, citing threats from North Korea and "anti-state forces" as reasons to dispatch the military to the National Assembly and attempt to ban political activities. This act was deemed an illegal imposition of martial law, violating the requirements and procedures stipulated in Article 77 of the Constitution, and was consequently recognized as an act of masterminding an insurrection. This incident has been described as a "self-coup" or "presidential coup." The prosecution had initially sought the death penalty for former President Yoon. However, the court reportedly handed...

On the 13th, the Hyogo Prefectural Police Second Investigation Division referred Inomoto Tomoaki, the former Director-General of General Affairs for Hyogo Prefecture, to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Local Public Service Act (confidentiality obligation). This issue concerns the alleged leak of private information belonging to a former prefectural bureau chief who had accused Governor Motohiko Saito, causing a significant stir within the prefectural government. Inomoto is suspected of leaking the former prefectural bureau chief's private information and audio data to multiple prefectural assembly members. A report published by the prefecture's third-party committee last May concluded that Inomoto leaked information to three prefectural assembly members. Furthermore, the report pointed out that “it is highly probable that this was done for the purpose of 'nemawashi' (informal groundwork) toward the prefectural assembly, under the instructions of Governor Motoh...

Weekly Bunshun has reported, citing a "source close to the Prime Minister's Office," that the last-minute cancellation of Ms. Sanae Takaichi's appearance on NHK's "Sunday Debate" had been planned two days prior to the broadcast, causing a significant stir on social media. According to Weekly Bunshun's report, Ms. Takaichi's camp had, as early as Friday, January 30th, two days before the broadcast, approached Takayuki Kobayashi, the Policy Research Council Chairman, to fill in for her. However, Mr. Kobayashi reportedly had a campaign schedule in Kyoto starting at 10:30 AM on that Sunday, making it impossible to adjust. Subsequently, Norihisa Tamura, the Acting Policy Research Council Chairman, was reportedly chosen as the replacement. In response to this testimony from a "source close to the Prime Minister's Office," users on X (formerly Twitter) voiced a barrage of criticisms, including remarks like "mocking the public," ...

Suspicion has emerged regarding political donations, potentially violating the Public Offices Election Act, made by two Toyota-affiliated companies with government contracts and others to the campaign of then-Prime Ministerial hopeful Sanae Takaichi, causing widespread ripples. According to a report by Asia Press Network, a total of 1.1 million yen in donations was allegedly received shortly before the 2024 House of Representatives election. The issue concerns the "Liberal Democratic Party Nara Prefecture 2nd Electoral District Branch," which Takaichi heads, allegedly receiving these donations. The Public Offices Election Act prohibits companies with government contracts from making donations to specific politicians or their affiliated organizations before, during, or after national elections. Experts point out that in this case, "the companies also bear responsibility," suggesting that not only the recipient but also the donating companies could be held accountable...

Allegations surrounding "National Health Insurance premium evasion" involving the Japan Innovation Party are escalating, with new involvement of multiple local assembly members emerging. In particular, it has come to light that Osaka City Assembly member Riho Satake acted as a "recruiter," enticing other assembly members to join a specific organization for the purpose of improperly reducing social insurance premiums, causing widespread concern. Satake submitted her resignation from the Japan Innovation Party on the evening of the 14th. Although she herself was not a member of the organization, it is reported that she approached several individuals, urging them to register with the organization to lower their social insurance premiums. By joining this organization, it was allegedly possible to reduce National Health Insurance premiums by approximately 800,000 yen annually, leading to accusations that this constitutes an illegal act exploiting a "loophole" i...

In the Mayoral election for Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, held on the 12th, former mayor Akiko Ogawa, who previously resigned due to a hotel scandal, has once again secured her re-election. This result has sparked a flurry of surprise and diverse opinions across social media. Ogawa was previously forced to resign after a meeting with a male subordinate at a hotel became a public issue. However, she has achieved re-election in this by-election. This background has led to numerous skeptical comments such as "An unexpected re-election," "Unbelievable," and "Is she really the right person?" In particular, the explanation given when the issue became public – that it was a "work meeting" held at a "love hotel" – shocked many citizens. On social media, some voices have pointed to sexism regarding this outcome. Harsh opinions have been posted, stating "It's male discrimination" and "If the gender were reversed, she would h...

A scoop by the Mainichi Shimbun has revealed that the Osaka Prefectural Branch of the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) allocated political party subsidies to a company represented by Fumitake Fujita, a member of the House of Representatives. This revelation has caused widespread ripples, with many critics on social media pointing out a contradiction with the party's fundamental principle of 'reforms that cut their own flesh' (身を切る改革), leading to a flood of criticism. According to reports, the Japan Innovation Party's Osaka Prefectural Branch disbursed a substantial amount of funds to the company represented by Mr. Fujita's secretary, under headings such as 'leaflet production costs.' These funds included political party subsidies, which are sourced from taxpayer money. The head of this branch is Hirofumi Yoshimura, who is also the co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party (and Governor of Osaka Prefecture), leading to increasing calls for his accou...

A new allegation has surfaced and is causing a stir: Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito (73) sold a condominium while serving as Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. According to a report by Shukan Bunshun, the transaction is pointed out as potentially violating the 'Ministerial Code,' although Saito's office maintains it has 'no recognition of a violation.' This allegation quickly spread across social media, with many users quoting the Bunshun Online article and raising questions about Saito's explanation. Comments expressing opposition to the office's use of the word 'recognition' included, 'It's not about 'recognition' that it doesn't violate the code lol.' Other users pointed out a discrepancy with Komeito's touted clean image, stating, 'He's not clean at all. His excuses are weak.' Furthermore, this latest allegation is drawing concentrated criticism, especially when viewed against Komeito...