Key Facts
• From 2016 to 2023, Kaori Takagi’s political groups paid ¥14,979,800 to Sakaiue Group Holdings.
• Sakaiue Group Holdings is led by Takagi’s policy secretary, raising conflict of interest concerns.
• Takagi is also a board member of Global Career Design, another company linked to her secretary.
• In 2023, ¥134,640 was paid to Global Career Design for cardboard boxes.
• Takagi’s office claims all transactions were legitimate and aligned with market rates.
• The total suspected fund redirection to companies linked to her secretary exceeds ¥46 million.
• Takagi’s case follows similar allegations against other Japan Innovation Party members.
• Weekly Bunshun’s investigation highlights deeper ties between Takagi, her secretary, and senior party figures.
Summary
Kaori Takagi, a senior member of the Japan Innovation Party, faces allegations of redirecting political funds to companies linked to her policy secretary. Between 2016 and 2023, her political groups paid nearly ¥15 million to Sakaiue Group Holdings, a real estate firm led by her secretary. Additionally, ¥134,640 was paid in 2023 to Global Career Design, a company where Takagi serves as a board member. Takagi’s office defends the transactions as legitimate and market-aligned, but the total suspected redirection of funds exceeds ¥46 million. This controversy adds to a series of similar scandals within the party, raising questions about internal governance and accountability.
