Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly faces scrutiny over expenses and corruption allegations

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is facing intense scrutiny following revelations of excessive overseas inspection expenses and allegations of illegal money exchanges. Newly released data shows that over a three-year period, 23 overseas trips cost more than 260 million yen. Some individual hotel stays reached as high as 169,000 yen per night, significantly exceeding standard rates.

Simultaneously, the assembly is embroiled in a scandal involving allegations that approximately 28.4 million yen was paid to Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) officials to secure leadership positions. Former Vice Speaker Masayuki Nakao resigned following these accusations and the release of audio recordings, though he denied receiving funds.

In response to the crisis, Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori declared he would sever ties with Assembly Speaker Isao Kurauchi to end a culture of “excessive consideration and deference.” The LDP prefectural group also underwent a leadership change, electing Katsumasa Watanabe as new chairman in a narrow one-vote election aimed at rebuilding trust. A third-party committee will be established to conduct an independent investigation into the assembly's conduct.