Key Facts
• November 14, 2025: LDP Saitama Chapter expels Itsuo Kotaino for fund misuse.
• ¥27.94 million ($187,000) in party funds allegedly misused for personal expenses.
• First expulsion of a former secretary-general in the chapter’s history.
• Investigation covered 1,398 transactions from 2019 to July 2025.
• 1,357 transactions, totaling ¥27.94 million, deemed personal misuse.
• Purchases included 466 bottles of whiskey, fresh food, pet supplies, and a child car seat.
• Kotaino denied intentional misuse, claiming political activity justification.
• August 2025: Kotaino’s role suspended; investigation committee established.
• November 2025: Disciplinary committee unanimously decides on expulsion.
• Civil and criminal liability investigations under consideration by the chapter.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Saitama Chapter expelled Itsuo Kotaino, a former secretary-general, on November 14, 2025, for allegedly misusing ¥27.94 million ($187,000) in party funds for personal expenses. This marks the first expulsion of a former secretary-general in the chapter’s history. An investigation revealed 1,357 out of 1,398 transactions from 2019 to July 2025 were personal in nature, including purchases of whiskey, fresh food, and pet supplies. Kotaino denied intentional misuse, asserting the expenses were politically justified. Despite his claims, the disciplinary committee unanimously decided on expulsion, citing the unprecedented nature of the case. The chapter is also considering pursuing civil and criminal liability.
