Key Facts
• Fujita, co-leader of Japan Innovation Party, spent public funds on secretary’s company.
• Over 8 years, approximately ¥21 million was paid for design and printing costs.
• Fujita claims legality, stating most funds covered design and printing expenses.
• Osaka branch, led by Yoshimura, also paid ¥1 million to the same company in 2024.
• Yoshimura denies knowledge of the expenditure, citing lack of direct involvement.
• Party plans to ban public fund payments to companies led by secretaries.
• Hashimoto, party founder, criticized Fujita’s defensive press conference demeanor.
• Journalist Ando questioned the ethics of contracting close associates’ companies.
• Public scrutiny focuses on transparency and ethical governance within the party.
Summary
The Japan Innovation Party faces criticism after co-leader Fujita was reported to have spent public funds on his secretary’s company, totaling ¥21 million over eight years. Fujita defended the payments as legal, citing design and printing costs. Additionally, the Osaka branch, led by Yoshimura, paid ¥1 million to the same company, though Yoshimura claimed no direct involvement. Party founder Hashimoto and journalist Ando criticized Fujita’s handling of the issue, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical practices. The party plans to revise its rules to prohibit such expenditures, aiming to restore public trust.
