Key Facts
• December 8, 2025: Okushita Takamitsu, a member of the Japan Innovation Party, held a 21-minute press conference.
• Okushita admitted using political funds for expenses at nightclubs and lounges.
• Total amount spent: approximately 120,000 yen, including staff expenses.
• Okushita claimed he was invited by supporters and could not choose the venue.
• He emphasized no personal entertainment or female companionship was involved.
• Okushita stated political funds were used due to the “limits of personal finances.”
• He announced plans to refund the full amount to address public criticism.
• Okushita highlighted the difficulty of separating private and political expenses in fund management.
• He acknowledged public misunderstanding and pledged to improve transparency.
• The Japan Innovation Party leader, Yoshimura Hirofumi, criticized the use of political funds for such purposes.
• Okushita reiterated his commitment to political reform and ethical practices.
Summary
On December 8, 2025, Japan Innovation Party member Okushita Takamitsu addressed allegations of using political funds for nightclub and lounge expenses. During a 21-minute press conference, he admitted to spending approximately 120,000 yen, including staff costs, and explained that he was invited by supporters and had no control over the venue. Okushita emphasized that no personal entertainment or female companionship occurred and cited the financial limitations of using personal funds for such activities. To address public criticism, he announced plans to refund the full amount. Acknowledging public misunderstanding, he pledged to enhance transparency in political fund management. Party leader Yoshimura Hirofumi criticized the use of political funds for such purposes, while Okushita reaffirmed his commitment to ethical political practices and reform.
