Japan’s Takaichi defends US$190 election gifts to ruling party lawmakers
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 25, 2026
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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has come under fire after it was revealed that she provided a gift catalogue to her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers following their election victory. Each of the 315 MPs was given the option to choose an item from the catalogue, with each gift valued at approximately $190, including shipping and tax. Takaichi defended the gesture as an expression of appreciation for their success in a tough election, emphasizing that no taxpayer money was used.
The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly due to its resemblance to a slush-fund scandal that rocked the LDP in 2023. That scandal led to the downfall of then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and fueled voter anger, contributing to a loss of majority for his successor Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition in both houses of parliament last year. Junya Ogawa, leader of the main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, has condemned the gift catalogue distribution as a misuse of political funds.
Takaichi told parliament that the costs were covered by political funds from a party branch she heads, not taxpayer money. However, the opposition remains skeptical, arguing that such practices undermine public trust in the government and could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. The incident has sparked debates over ethics and accountability within Japan’s political arena, raising questions about whether similar issues will resurface under her leadership.
The scandal highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining transparency and integrity in Japanese politics. It also underscores the potential risks of such practices on voter trust and political
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026