Fukuoka assembly members allege cash payments to LDP officials for chairmanship posts

Two Fukuoka prefectural assembly members testified that they handed a total of ¥27.5 million in cash to senior Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) officials while seeking the chamber’s chair and vice‑chair positions. Former chairman Yoshimatsu Gen‑Aki said he was asked to provide money for “golf and other entertainment” and described the demand as “like being extorted.” He recounted paying ¥5.5 million, later ¥10 million and additional amounts, borrowing from friends to meet the requests. Former vice‑chair Etō Hideyuki also admitted handing over ¥5 million. Both said the payments were made in the assembly building’s reception room and that no receipts existed.

The lawmakers recorded their conversations, claiming a longstanding party culture that forces members to “sweat” by paying cash for party‑related expenses. LDP officials named in the recordings denied any wrongdoing. The scandal has prompted calls for a third‑party investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds and the broader practice of cash‑for‑position demands within the party’s prefectural ranks.