Key Facts
• August 2025: Kiyoshi Koike, a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker, gave condolence money.
• Recipients included former employees and business partners marking the first Obon after bereavement.
• Money was given under the name of “Koike Construction,” led by Koike’s wife.
• Japan’s election law prohibits donations by politicians or their affiliated companies.
• Koike claims the act aligns with local customs and denies it constitutes a donation.
• Legal expert Hiroshi Kamiwaki states the act likely violates election law.
• Koike’s lawyer argues the gesture is cultural, not political.
• The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes strict donation restrictions for politicians.
• The incident occurred in Nagano Prefecture, where Koike represents Iida City and Shimoina District.
Summary
Kiyoshi Koike, a Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker in Nagano Prefecture, is under scrutiny for giving condolence money to several individuals during the first Obon after bereavement. The money was distributed in August 2025 under the name of “Koike Construction,” a company led by his wife. While Koike defends the act as a local custom and not a political donation, legal experts argue it likely violates Japan’s election law, which prohibits donations by politicians or their affiliated entities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs supports this interpretation, emphasizing the law’s strict restrictions. Koike’s lawyer maintains the gesture is cultural, not political. The case highlights the tension between regional traditions and legal frameworks governing political conduct.
