Fumio Kishida, on Thursday (Feb 29) became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to appear before a parliamentary ethics committee where he vowed to end political fundraising parties amid an investigation into a major kickbacks scandal. The alleged misconduct by Kishida’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the past few months has also hurt his popularity and may delay next year’s budget.&nbsp;

<h2>Kishida’s appearance before the ethics committee</h2>

The incumbent PM’s historic appearance before the parliamentary committee was televised and came after weeks of wrangling between the ruling LDP and the opposition parties on the technicalities of how to hold the hearings.&nbsp;

The opposition had demanded a public hearing of the scandal and the ruling party had sought a closed session.&nbsp;

The investigation will look into how some members of the LDP failed to report hundreds of millions of yen received from fundraising parties. The case is said to be one of the biggest financial scandals to hit the ruling party in decades.&nbsp;

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The scandal stems from alleged payments to members of the ruling which exceeded ticket sales quotas for fundraising events. So far, two LDP lawmakers have been charged with breaking political funding laws and three of its biggest factions have been dissolved due to the scandal.&nbsp;

“As the LDP leader, I apologise from my heart that this fundraising issue has raised suspicion and caused distrust in politics among the people,” said the Japanese PM in his opening remarks.&nbsp;

While Kishida himself is not implicated, he said that he would not host any more fundraising parties during his term as the PM.&nbsp;

“It is my intention that I will not hold these parties during my time as prime minister,” Kishida told the committee.&nbsp;

He also vowed to revise the political funding law which holds those involved in the scandal – both accountants and lawmakers – to be held accountable for their finances.

Prosecutors in Japan have also launched a criminal investigation into the scandal.&nbsp;

<h2>Scandal affects Kishida’s popularity and country’s budget</h2>

A poll conducted in early February by NHK shows that support for Kishida (25 per cent) and his ruling LDP (30 per cent) dipped to its lowest point since the incumbent PM took office in 2021.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-what-is-the-japanese-fundraising-scandal-that-has-engulfed-kishida-govt-668796">Explained: What is the Japanese fundraising scandal that has engulfed Fumio Kishida govt?</a>

The debate about the hearings also threatened to delay the fiscal 2024 budget, which Kishida hopes to pass in the lower house by March 2.&nbsp;

If passed, it would give him 30 days necessary for a budget to be adopted automatically before the fiscal year starts in April.

“We must not have a situation where the budget is not adopted according to plan,” the Japanese PM told the committee.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Fumio Kishida, on Thursday (Feb 29) became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to appear before a parliamentary ethics committee where he vowed to end political fundraising parties amid an investigation into a major kickbacks scandal.

Fumio Kishida, on Thursday (Feb 29) became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to appear before a parliamentary ethics committee where he vowed to end political fundraising parties amid an investigation into a major kickbacks scandal. The alleged misconduct by Kishida’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the past few months has also hurt his popularity and may delay next year’s budget. Kishida’s appearance before the ethics committee The incumbent PM’s historic appearance before the parliamentary committee was televised and came after weeks of wrangling between the ruling LDP and the opposition parties on the technicalities of how to hold the hearings. The opposition had demanded a public hearing of the scandal and the ruling party had sought a closed session. The investigation will look into how some members of the LDP failed to report hundreds of millions of yen received from fundraising parties. The case is said to be one of the biggest financial scandals to hit the ruling party in decades. Also Read | Indian govt working to bring back Indians stranded in Russia, official says The scandal stems from alleged payments to members of the ruling which exceeded ticket sales quotas for fundraising events. So far, two LDP lawmakers have been charged with breaking political funding laws and three of its biggest factions have been dissolved due to the scandal. “As the LDP leader, I apologise from my heart that this fundraising issue has raised suspicion and caused distrust in politics among the people,” said the Japanese PM in his opening remarks. While Kishida himself is not implicated, he said that he would not host any more fundraising parties during his term as the PM. “It is my intention that I will not hold these parties during my time as prime minister,” Kishida told the committee. He also vowed to revise the political funding law which holds those involved in the scandal – both accountants and lawmakers – to be held accountable for their finances. Prosecutors in Japan have also launched a criminal investigation into the scandal. Scandal affects Kishida’s popularity and country’s budget A poll conducted in early February by NHK shows that support for Kishida (25 per cent) and his ruling LDP (30 per cent) dipped to its lowest point since the incumbent PM took office in 2021. Also Read | Explained: What is the Japanese fundraising scandal that has engulfed Fumio Kishida govt? The debate about the hearings also threatened to delay the fiscal 2024 budget, which Kishida hopes to pass in the lower house by March 2. If passed, it would give him 30 days necessary for a budget to be adopted automatically before the fiscal year starts in April. “We must not have a situation where the budget is not adopted according to plan,” the Japanese PM told the committee. (With inputs from agencies)

Fumio Kishida becomes first sitting Japan PM to face ethics committee over funding scandal

Surveys conducted after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reorganized his cabinet to contain a funding scandal that jeopardized his government's future showed record low levels of support for him.

Japanese PM Kishida support rate tanks; Kishida loses public support

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing one of its biggest challenges in decades. There are allegations that some LDP lawmakers received thousands of dollars in unreported funds.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing one of its biggest challenges in decades. There are allegations that some LDP lawmakers received thousands of dollars in unreported funds. Heads will roll, as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to replace some tainted ministers as early as Thursday (Dec 14), according to reports. This scandal comes as Japan is heading to a national election in October 2025. Even though the LDP has held power for almost all of Japan's post-war history, the scandal might weaken its hopes of retaining power. A poll showed that Prime Minister Kishida's government's popularity hit a record low, while the LDP's coalition partner warned that any rule-breaking would not be tolerated, Reuters reported on Monday (Dec 11). Addressing a press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Kishida said his government would consider appropriate measures at the right time to restore public trust. What is the Japan funding scandal about? In Japan, politicians, political parties and their factions hold fundraising events to increase revenue through ticket sales. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, these fundraisers are often hosted by groups supporting political parties and politicians or by factions' administrative bodies. One ticket for such an event would cost around $138 (20,000 yen). Profits from such an event can go towards political parties. Citing a political funding statement, the report said that Prime Minister Kishida raised about $1.03 million from eight fundraisers last year. They cost a total of 19 million yen, leaving 87% of the money raised as profit, the report added. Also read: Japan PM Kishida's popularity further depletes over 'secret funds' scandal According to the law, political parties are required to report revenue from fundraising events if any individual or company purchases more than $1,375 of tickets in a year. A report by The Japan Times said that as long as the flow of money is reported adequately as stated in the law, there is nothing wrong with holding a fundraising event. What caused the recent scandals? The Japan Times report said that underreporting allegations surfaced last month when news came out that five major LDP factions made nearly $275,000 from ticket sales that were not reported under law in the four years through 2021. The factions here were the Kishida faction; the faction of former secretary-general Toshihiro Nikai; the Aso faction; the faction of LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Motegi, and the faction that was led by the former PM Shinzo Abe- who was assassinated in July last year. The factions claimed that there had been a mistake and they revised their political funds report. At that time, the damage appeared limited, the report said. However, on Dec 1, a report by Asahi Shimbun said that the Abe faction, the largest in the LDP, made off-the-book income in ticket sales worth over $687,000. Faction members who sold more tickets than the allocated quota were given the surplus as kickbacks. The Nikai faction, meanwhile, was suspected of underreporting income from ticket sales for fundraising parties, and of rewarding lawmakers who sold excess tickets with the surplus cash. The report further said that the Abe faction was suspected of failing to report both the excess revenue and expenditure for lawmakers. The Nikki faction, on the other hand, failed to report the revenue but reported the expenditure as a donation. PM planning to purge ministers embroiled in scandal Facing heat over the scandal, Prime Minister Kishida pledged on Monday to restore trust in his government. There have been reports that Kishida was planning to purge ministers embroiled in the scandal. Last Sunday, a report by the Asahi newspaper said that the prime minister decided to replace four ministers and 11 other ministerial positions in his cabinet. The reshuffle could come as early as Thursday. Also read: Deputy finance minister of Japan resigns after tax scandal in another blow to PM Fumio Kishida Those to be replaced include Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Internal Affairs Minister Junji Suzuki and Agriculture Minister Ichiro Miyashita. Trade Minister Nishimura said that he would stay in his post and review his political funding. "I am closely examining my own political financing report, and would like to provide a thorough explanation at the appropriate time," Nishimura told reporters on Sunday. On Tuesday, the main opposition party- Constitutional Democratic Party- is preparing to bring a no-confidence motion against Kishida's cabinet, local media reported. A decline in Kishida govt's popularity Fumio Kishida, who became prime minister in 2021, has seen his cabinet's approval rating slide in recent months. This was mainly due to worries about rising living costs and looming tax hikes to fund his military build-up plans. During the weekend, a survey by the Fuji News Network-Sankei said his administration's popularity sunk to a record low of 22.5 per cent, down 5.3 percentage points from the previous month. About 46 per cent of responders in the survey said they wanted Kishida to stay in power until his tenure as LDP leader expires in September next year, while about 41 per cent wanted him replaced immediately. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: What is the Japanese fundraising scandal that has engulfed Fumio Kishida govt?

The Japanese government has told its citizens in China to maintain a low profile following multiple incidents of harassment against them. The cause of this is Japan's decision to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. On Monday, Japan also summoned the Chinese ambassador. @mollygambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: 'Don't Speak Japanese Loudly'; Tokyo Cautions Citizens Amid Harassment In China | Fukushima Fallout

The Japanese Prime Minister has announced that the wastewater released from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan says that the discharge of treated radioactive water is safe.

Row over release of radioactive water as Fukushima water release to begin on Thursday | WION

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a brief visit to the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant on Sunday to highlight the safety of an impending release of treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, a divisive plan that his government wants to start soon despite protests at home and abroad.

Japan's Kishida visits Fukushima plant, to finalise wastewater release date

Ahead of the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid a visit to the facility on Sunday (August 20), Japan's local media outlets reported. The move comes amid opposition from local fishermen and certain neighbouring countries regarding the disposal plan.&nbsp;Kishida's visit occurred just before a scheduled meeting with his cabinet members on Tuesday (August 22).

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The agenda of the meeting revolves around determining the appropriate timing for commencing the water discharge. According to media reports citing sources, the process is expected to initiate sometime between late August and early September.&nbsp;During a visit to Washington, Kishida revealed that the government is in the conclusive stages of the decision-making process regarding the timing of the water release. He made these statements after attending a three-way summit with the United States and South Korea.

<h2>Origin of contaminated water and treatment</h2>

The Fukushima Daiichi plant, ravaged by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 2011, has been producing a substantial volume of contaminated water due to the need to cool melted reactor fuel.

To address this issue, the water has undergone treatment using an advanced liquid processing system.&nbsp;

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This system eliminates the majority of radionuclides, excluding tritium. Traces of Tritium, a less harmful radioactive element compared to substances like cesium and strontium, remains present in the treated water.

Storage containers have been employed to hold the treated water, but their capacity is gradually nearing its limit.

Before release, the treated water, containing traces of tritium, will be diluted to a concentration that adheres to Japanese safety standards, one-40th of the concentration permitted. This diluted water will then be discharged through an underwater tunnel situated 1 kilometer from the power plant.&nbsp;The plan to release the treated water into the ocean is facing resistance from local fishermen and certain neighboring countries.

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China, for instance, has initiated comprehensive radiation testing of imported Japanese seafood as a response.

In addition to his visit, Kishida intends to meet with the leader of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, potentially scheduled for Monday.&nbsp;The decision to proceed with the water discharge aligns with the endorsement of global safety standards as articulated in the final report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, issued last month.

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Ahead of the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid a visit to the facility on Sunday (August 20), Japan's local media outlets reported.

Ahead of the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid a visit to the facility on Sunday (August 20), Japan's local media outlets reported. The move comes amid opposition from local fishermen and certain neighbouring countries regarding the disposal plan. Kishida's visit occurred just before a scheduled meeting with his cabinet members on Tuesday (August 22). Also Read | Canada wildfires: About 30,000 in British Columbia under evacuation order with thousands more on alert The agenda of the meeting revolves around determining the appropriate timing for commencing the water discharge. According to media reports citing sources, the process is expected to initiate sometime between late August and early September. During a visit to Washington, Kishida revealed that the government is in the conclusive stages of the decision-making process regarding the timing of the water release. He made these statements after attending a three-way summit with the United States and South Korea. Origin of contaminated water and treatment The Fukushima Daiichi plant, ravaged by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 2011, has been producing a substantial volume of contaminated water due to the need to cool melted reactor fuel. To address this issue, the water has undergone treatment using an advanced liquid processing system. Also Read | Twenty-five Chinese air force planes crossed Taiwan Strait's median line: Taipei This system eliminates the majority of radionuclides, excluding tritium. Traces of Tritium, a less harmful radioactive element compared to substances like cesium and strontium, remains present in the treated water. Storage containers have been employed to hold the treated water, but their capacity is gradually nearing its limit. Before release, the treated water, containing traces of tritium, will be diluted to a concentration that adheres to Japanese safety standards, one-40th of the concentration permitted. This diluted water will then be discharged through an underwater tunnel situated 1 kilometer from the power plant. The plan to release the treated water into the ocean is facing resistance from local fishermen and certain neighboring countries. Watch | Canada’s British Columbia under state of emergency as Kelowna wildfire rages × China, for instance, has initiated comprehensive radiation testing of imported Japanese seafood as a response. In addition to his visit, Kishida intends to meet with the leader of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, potentially scheduled for Monday. The decision to proceed with the water discharge aligns with the endorsement of global safety standards as articulated in the final report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, issued last month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Japanese PM Kishida visits Fukushima plant, to discuss timing for release of treated radioactive water

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may dissolve the parliament prematurely to hold snap elections. A new media poll however has found over 60 percent of responders opposing this move. The poll conducted by Japanese media house Kyoto news has found 60.6 percent of respondents opposing a potential parliamentary dissolution by the Japanese prime minister only 30.2 percent expressed support for the move the survey has sampled 511 landlines and over 2 700 mobile phone linked to eligible voters.

Will Fumio Kishida dissolve the parliament prematurely?

Japanese police are probing whether the object&nbsp;hurled towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the Saturday rally was a homemade pipe bomb.

Japan’s NHK, quoting the investigators, reported that the authorities discovered conducting wires, which resembled a steel pipe, that led them to believe that the objects could possibly be pipe bombs, since such devices contain gunpowder enclosed inside a cylinder and are detonated by igniting a fuse.

Local media reported that Kimura was also carrying a knife in his backpack at the time of the incident in Wakayama.

The development came a day after police raided the 24-year-old suspect Ryuji Kimura’s residence in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture, in the early hours of Sunday.

The searches, which began at 1 am Sunday (local time), reportedly lasted eight hours. Police found more than a dozen cardboard boxes believed to contain confiscated items in connection with the incident and seized what appeared to be gunpowder and a computer among other items.

Cops are looking into whether any other lethal devices were used to take out the Japanese prime minister.

On Saturday evening, police urged residents near Kimura's home to evacuate to a nearby community centre as they feared explosives could be found. They were allowed to return home before dawn on Sunday after authorities confirmed it was safe, Japan Times reported.

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Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kishida called the violent attack during his election rally "unforgivable."

The Japanese leader said that they are tightening security, as every possible measure would be taken to ensure the nation’s safety as it hosts the upcoming Group of Seven summit and other events that bring together dignitaries from around the world.

"Together with the people of Japan, we will do our utmost to ensure safety during the diplomatic schedule," Kishida said.

Though Kishida escaped unhurt in the attack—as his security took him to safety shortly before the sound of an explosion rang out—a police officer suffered minor injuries on his left arm, Japan Times reported.

The violent attack shocked the nation as it came a year after his predecessor Shinzo Abe was assassinated when he was campaigning in support of a candidate during local elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese police are probing whether the object hurled towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the Saturday rally was a homemade pipe bomb. Japan’s NHK, quoting the investigators, reported that the authorities discovered conducting wires, which resembled a steel pipe, that led them to believe that the objects could possibly be pipe bombs, since such devices contain gunpowder enclosed inside a cylinder and are detonated by igniting a fuse.

Japanese police are probing whether the object hurled towards Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the Saturday rally was a homemade pipe bomb. Japan’s NHK, quoting the investigators, reported that the authorities discovered conducting wires, which resembled a steel pipe, that led them to believe that the objects could possibly be pipe bombs, since such devices contain gunpowder enclosed inside a cylinder and are detonated by igniting a fuse. Local media reported that Kimura was also carrying a knife in his backpack at the time of the incident in Wakayama. The development came a day after police raided the 24-year-old suspect Ryuji Kimura’s residence in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture, in the early hours of Sunday. The searches, which began at 1 am Sunday (local time), reportedly lasted eight hours. Police found more than a dozen cardboard boxes believed to contain confiscated items in connection with the incident and seized what appeared to be gunpowder and a computer among other items. Cops are looking into whether any other lethal devices were used to take out the Japanese prime minister. On Saturday evening, police urged residents near Kimura's home to evacuate to a nearby community centre as they feared explosives could be found. They were allowed to return home before dawn on Sunday after authorities confirmed it was safe, Japan Times reported. Also read | WATCH: Japan PM Fumio Kishida attacked with smoke bomb, evacuated from speech venue in Wakayama Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kishida called the violent attack during his election rally "unforgivable." The Japanese leader said that they are tightening security, as every possible measure would be taken to ensure the nation’s safety as it hosts the upcoming Group of Seven summit and other events that bring together dignitaries from around the world. "Together with the people of Japan, we will do our utmost to ensure safety during the diplomatic schedule," Kishida said. Though Kishida escaped unhurt in the attack—as his security took him to safety shortly before the sound of an explosion rang out—a police officer suffered minor injuries on his left arm, Japan Times reported. The violent attack shocked the nation as it came a year after his predecessor Shinzo Abe was assassinated when he was campaigning in support of a candidate during local elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japanese police probing whether 'home-made' pipe bomb was used to attack PM Fumio Kishida

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday (March 1) reiterated his position that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. “I believe I do not have a sense of discrimination (on the issue),” Kishida said, adding, "And I have never stated I’m against it," the news agency AP reported.&nbsp;A day back, Kishida was asked by an opposition lawmaker if he thinks that the ban (on same-sex marriage) constitutes discrimination. “I don’t think disallowing same-sex couples to marry is unjust discrimination by the state,” the Prime Minister replied.&nbsp;

The controversy over same-sex marriages erupted last month when, Masayoshi Arai, a former aide of Kishida, made discriminatory remarks about LGBTQ people which caused nationwide anger. Arai said that he wouldn't want to live next to LGBTQ people and that citizens would flee Japan if same-sex marriages were allowed.

Arai's remarks also prompted the Kishida government to enact an anti-discrimination law even after the official was sacked. Prime Minister Kishida appointed a special aide for LGBTQ issues and instructed his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to prepare legislation to promote understanding of LGBTQ rights, the AP reported.&nbsp;

In mid-February, Kishida met with LGBTQ representatives and said he “strongly felt the need for discussion” and would consider the voices of the people and in parliament, as well as rulings in several ongoing lawsuits.&nbsp;

The LDP, which is known for conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, has emerged as the main opposition to legalising same-sex marriage and other measures of equality for LGBTQ people.

Activists are now urging the government to enact anti-discrimination legislation before Tokyo hosts the G7 summit in May in Hiroshima. AP reported that Japan is the only G7 member which has not recognised same-sex marriage and enacted an anti-discrimination law for the LGBTQ community.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday (March 1) reiterated his position that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. “I believe I do not have a sense of discrimination (on the issue),” Kishida said, adding, "And I have never stated I’m against it," the news agency AP reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday (March 1) reiterated his position that a ban on same-sex marriage is not unconstitutional. “I believe I do not have a sense of discrimination (on the issue),” Kishida said, adding, "And I have never stated I’m against it," the news agency AP reported. A day back, Kishida was asked by an opposition lawmaker if he thinks that the ban (on same-sex marriage) constitutes discrimination. “I don’t think disallowing same-sex couples to marry is unjust discrimination by the state,” the Prime Minister replied. The controversy over same-sex marriages erupted last month when, Masayoshi Arai, a former aide of Kishida, made discriminatory remarks about LGBTQ people which caused nationwide anger. Arai said that he wouldn't want to live next to LGBTQ people and that citizens would flee Japan if same-sex marriages were allowed. Arai's remarks also prompted the Kishida government to enact an anti-discrimination law even after the official was sacked. Prime Minister Kishida appointed a special aide for LGBTQ issues and instructed his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to prepare legislation to promote understanding of LGBTQ rights, the AP reported. In mid-February, Kishida met with LGBTQ representatives and said he “strongly felt the need for discussion” and would consider the voices of the people and in parliament, as well as rulings in several ongoing lawsuits. The LDP, which is known for conservative family values and reluctance to promote gender equality and sexual diversity, has emerged as the main opposition to legalising same-sex marriage and other measures of equality for LGBTQ people. Activists are now urging the government to enact anti-discrimination legislation before Tokyo hosts the G7 summit in May in Hiroshima. AP reported that Japan is the only G7 member which has not recognised same-sex marriage and enacted an anti-discrimination law for the LGBTQ community. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ban on same-sex marriage not unconstitutional: Japanese PM Kishida