Key Facts
• August 18, 2025: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Himi branch held a closed meeting.
• 31 members claimed no memory of paying dues from 2015 to 2023.
• Investigation found $13,000 (¥1.93 million) covered by the branch from 2017–2022.
• 2023 dues (~$1,900) were personally paid by former branch head Eiji Yabuta.
• 157 members reviewed: 12 actively pay, 31 deny payment, 29 deceased, 15 resigned.
• Dues collection system involves local representatives collecting fees annually.
• Covering dues may violate Japan’s Public Offices Election Act.
• Investigation delayed by election, decade-old records, and data privacy concerns.
• Branch head Shigeru Shimada apologized for prolonged misconduct and pledged reforms.
• Party disciplinary committee to address accountability and prevent recurrence.
Summary
An investigation into the Liberal Democratic Party’s Himi branch revealed that $13,000 in membership dues were improperly covered by the branch between 2017 and 2022. Of the 157 members reviewed, 31 denied ever paying dues, raising concerns about compliance with Japan’s Public Offices Election Act. Former branch head Eiji Yabuta personally covered 2023 dues of approximately $1,900. Current branch head Shigeru Shimada apologized for the misconduct, citing delays in the investigation due to elections, decade-old records, and privacy issues. A disciplinary committee will address accountability and implement reforms to restore public trust.
