Key Facts
• August 27: Takashi Ikeshita, 50, denies fraud allegations via blog.
• Yomiuri Shimbun reported his secretary was under investigation for fraud.
• Allegations include receiving salary without actual work and possible kickbacks.
• Ikeshita claims evidence proves secretary’s work and role distribution.
• Party Secretary-General Hiroshi Nakatsukasa also labeled the report as ‘false.’
• Party may demand corrections or take legal action if necessary.
• Same day: Ishii Akira, another party lawmaker, faces fraud investigation.
• Tokyo prosecutors searched Ishii’s office over alleged misuse of public funds.
• Ikeshita represents Osaka’s 10th district, elected twice to the House of Representatives.
• Party pledges full cooperation with investigations into Ishii’s case.
Summary
Takashi Ikeshita, a lawmaker from the Japan Innovation Party, strongly denied allegations reported by Yomiuri Shimbun that his secretary was under investigation for fraud. The report claimed the secretary received salaries without actual work and suggested possible kickbacks. Ikeshita refuted these claims, citing evidence of the secretary’s work and criticizing the reliance on anonymous sources. Party Secretary-General Hiroshi Nakatsukasa also dismissed the report as false and stated the party would respond appropriately if inaccuracies are confirmed. On the same day, another party member, Akira Ishii, faced a separate fraud investigation involving misuse of public funds. The party expressed regret over the matter and pledged full cooperation with authorities. Ikeshita, representing Osaka’s 10th district, emphasized his commitment to addressing the issue calmly and responsibly.
