Key Facts
• September 8, 2025: Eiko Inoue, 53, assumes leadership of Ibaraki Restoration Party.
• Ishii Akira accused of misappropriating public secretary salary funds.
• Inoue pledges to rebuild the party from “zero” and address misconduct.
• Inoue, a five-time elected representative, currently serves as the party’s election strategy chair.
• Ishii Akira was expelled from the party on September 3, 2025.
• Leadership term for Inoue set until April 2026.
• Party executives, including Ishii’s daughter Megumi Ishii, retain their positions.
• Inoue apologizes for betraying voters and promises preventive measures.
• Investigation into secretary work practices underway within the party.
• Public explanation to follow after investigation results are available.
Summary
Eiko Inoue, a senior member of the Japan Restoration Party, has been appointed as the new leader of the Ibaraki Restoration Party following the expulsion of former leader Akira Ishii over allegations of misappropriating public secretary salary funds. In a press conference on September 8, 2025, Inoue apologized to the public for the misconduct and pledged to rebuild the party from scratch. He emphasized the importance of transparency and announced plans to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The party has retained its current executive members, including Megumi Ishii, Akira Ishii’s daughter, who was recently elected to the House of Councillors. Inoue’s leadership term will run until April 2026, during which he aims to restore public trust and ensure accountability. A public explanation will be provided once the investigation into the incident concludes.
