Key Facts
• On November 6, Japan Innovation Party Co-Leader Fumitake Fujita appeared on YouTube’s ‘ReHacQ’.
• Fujita addressed allegations of public funds misuse involving his secretary’s company (2017–2024).
• Approximately ¥20 million was paid to the company for flyer printing, with ¥7.2 million annual salary to the secretary.
• Fujita claimed the transactions were legal and announced he would cease future dealings with the company.
• During the live stream, Fujita referred to his secretary as a “special figure” and defended their dual roles.
• Fujita dismissed criticism from Democratic Party for the People’s Yasushi Adachi, calling his remarks irrelevant.
• Fujita compared his secretary to Adachi’s, claiming his secretary would “100% win” in a performance comparison.
• Adachi demanded an apology, calling Fujita’s comments disrespectful and unacceptable.
• Fujita issued an apology on November 7, retracting his remarks during the live stream.
• Public reactions criticized Fujita’s behavior as unbecoming of a political leader.
Summary
Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, faced criticism following remarks made during a November 6 YouTube live stream. Fujita defended his secretary amid allegations of public funds misuse, asserting the legality of transactions involving the secretary’s company. However, his dismissive comments about Yasushi Adachi and a comparison of their secretaries sparked backlash. Adachi demanded an apology, which Fujita issued on November 7. Public opinion remains divided, with many questioning Fujita’s conduct as a political leader.
